Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

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ERAS optimizes your recovery from abdominal surgery. This protocol decreases the length of your hospital stay and minimizes postoperative complications. We use ERAS to improve the hospital experience for patients after surgery.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal perioperative care pathway designed to optimize surgical outcomes and enhance recovery. This evidence-based protocol focuses on reducing the length of hospital stays and minimizing postoperative complications.

UNC Rex Colorectal Surgery is a leading provider of ERAS protocols in Raleigh, NC. We are dedicated to improving the hospital experience for patients undergoing abdominal surgery through the implementation of these advanced recovery strategies.

Benefits of ERAS for Colorectal Surgery Patients

The ERAS protocol offers numerous advantages for patients undergoing colorectal surgery, enhancing both surgical outcomes and the overall patient experience.

  • Improved Surgical Outcomes: ERAS protocols are associated with reduced complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
  • Enhanced Patient Experience: By minimizing discomfort and accelerating recovery, patients can resume their daily routines more quickly.
  • Reduced Healthcare Costs: This cost-effective approach benefits our patients by reducing the need for extended hospital stays and additional treatments.

Who Can Benefit from ERAS Protocols?

Colorectal surgery patients undergoing elective or planned procedures are prime candidates for ERAS protocols. These patients can experience significant improvements in their surgical outcomes and recovery times.

ERAS is also ideal for those looking to minimize surgical risks, accelerate recovery, and improve postoperative outcomes. By following these guidelines, patients can reduce the risks associated with surgery and enhance their overall recovery experience.

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more about ERAS protocols and colorectal surgery options at UNC Rex Colorectal Surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive information and personalized care to improve your recovery and surgical experience.

Before surgery
You should eat a healthy diet, stop smoking and drink a carbohydrate-rich beverage to keep your blood sugars stable after surgery and reduce your risk of nausea. If you are undergoing a bowel resection, you may need a bowel prep and antibiotics the day before your surgery. Your care team will help control your pain even before surgery in the preoperative area, and they will continue to guide your pain management throughout your hospital stay.
During surgery
Your care team uses several strategies to help minimize your recovery time. For example, they aim to keep fluids at a minimum and give you anti-nausea meds and TAP blocks (pain medications injected into the abdominal wall) to help reduce your postoperative pain.
After surgery
You should start walking and being up and about as soon and as often as possible. This activity will help you maintain strength and muscle tone during your recovery process. Most people will be able to eat their usual diet after surgery. Our care team will help you manage your pain with non-narcotic pain medications and limit the need for opioid pain medications.