Rapid Recovery From Surgery

Although in a different field, we liked the story this video told about the importance of enhanced recovery to a patient.

Improved coordination within a medical team is a factor, although Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes are about putting the patient in control.

ERAS is a multi-faceted, evidence based approach, from initial consultation to post-operative care. Key elements include pre-operative counselling, nutrition control, analgesic (pain control), anaesthetic management and early mobilisation after surgery.

Established recommendations for patient action are brought together and clearly explained. Medical care shares the focus, with anaesthetic choices to suit, shorter surgical incisions and optimal use of keyhole surgery.

The approach is remarkably effective and can see orthopaedic patients discharged in a day, when they would previously have remained in hospital for a week.

Shared Implementation

A consultant and hospital that are attuned to ERAS procedures is important, along with the advice they give and the patient's participation at each stage.

Being in the best health possible before an operation will help. For this reason, your consultant wishes to understand your medical history, current medication, levels of smoking, alcohol consumption and diet.

A few changes in the weeks before surgery can make a real difference and the phase in hospital follows a similar track. For example, advice is given on when and what to eat or drink, and being at a comfortable temperature.

During your operation, pain control and anaesthesia are carefully managed, as is fluid management, or need for a catheter. Surgical techniques used are carefully selected, to bring a successful outcome.

After the operation, fluid intake and diet are controlled with you in mind but also to stimulate gut activity. Assisting you to become mobile at the earliest viable stage is a key factor in helping your body return to normal.

Significant Benefit

There is more to ERAS, not least reducing your stress response to surgery from day one, helping to educate those who support you and monitoring your condition at each stage. The benefits are established and welcome:

• An improved experience for you and your family.
• A significantly reduced length of hospital stay.
• Reduced post-operative complications, including infection and blood clots (DVT).
• Muscle weakness is minimised, energy levels higher.

Optimising your health throughout the medical journey helps you to quickly return to previous health levels, with increased mobility an additional reward. The effort required is not too onerous and well supported by our team.

Continuous Support

For orthopaedic surgery, your physiotherapist is likely to play a key role in speeding recovery. They will be involved from an early stage, as will other staff who help to create a clear and structured approach to your care.

Team members will want to see you eat well, relax and exercise as you prepare for surgery. They will encourage and advise on activity levels, along with helping you to manage early mobilisation and nutrition after surgery.

Your care pathway should be a continuum, from pre-hospital, to post-operative support and returning home. Doing so early is a bonus and the way this helps with successful recovery is an ongoing advantage.