ERAS® in colorectal surgery

Abstract

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) in colorectal surgery is a protocol that promotes quicker return to function. It follows the latest evidence-based research to promote stress reduction related to surgery. The recommended perioperative pathway is fine-tuned, dynamic and in line with the latest evidence-based research to enhance all aspects of the patient’s surgical care. We describe the four aspects for a patient undergoing colorectal surgery – pre-admission, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative. The running theme is to reduce overall physiological stress related to surgery and interventions overlap throughout the patient’s pathway. Using a multidisciplinary approach, adherence to ERAS® in colorectal surgery with ≥70 % compliance to the ERAS interventions has shown a risk reduction of 5-year cancer-related death by 42%. The optimum interventions are not only determined through the publication of high-quality research, but regular international collaboration enables experience and research to be shared and care standardised