Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

This service supports implementation of standardized patient care before, during and after surgery to help patients feel better quicker, shorten hospital stays and reduce complications after surgery.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program supports implementation of standardized patient care related to nutrition, mobility after surgery, pain and nausea control, and fluid intake management. We engage patients and make them part of the team by involving them in preparation for their surgery and post-operative recovery. By helping patients stay strong, we can improve outcomes, reduce complications and create a better patient experience.

Before surgery:

• patients are taught to minimize time without fluids or food
• patients are taught about what to expect after surgey and health activities to practice that will help them recover
• medications for pain, nausea, infection, and blood clot prevention are given based on best practice evidence

During surgery:

• management of pain, nausea and fluids is provided
• techniques are applied to reduce surgical stress response (minimally invasive surgery, employ blocks or freezing to prevent pain signals from setting off fight or flight /stress response)

After surgery:

• evidence promotes less use of or early removal of lines, drains, tubes and urinary catheter removal
• better outcomes through drinking, eating, gum chewing, moving and walking
• improved pain, nausea and surgical complication rate

For more information, visit the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) website.