Patient Education

Since Implementation, ERAS programs have:

• Improved patient outcome
• Reduced the postoperative length of stay
• Reduced opoid prescribing

1. What is ERAS and why do we use ERAS pathways?

   ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. These pathways are a partnership between you and your heathcare team to help you recover from surgery and resume your normal activities as soon as possible.

   Together we will work to:

   • address your concerns and questions
   • Decrease your risk of post-operative complications including nausea and vomiting
   • Control your pain
   • Help you move and walk after surgery
2. Is ERAS a research study?

   No. ERAS is a combination of best practices for perioperative care.

3. What should I expect before surgery?

   At your surgeon’s office we will discuss the Enhanced Recovery pathway with you. You will receive a patient booklet. Please take time to read through this booklet and document any questions. You are encouraged to attend our Patient Education class as it will be beneficial to your inpatient stay and discharge.An appointment will be made for you at the Pre-Operative Services clinic.

   During the Patient Education class we will review with you information regarding your inpatient stay and recovery.

   At your Pre-Operative Services visit you may have blood work performed.  You will also receive special scrubs to wash with and breathing exercise device (incentive spirometer). We will review any additional prev-operative instructions, such as what to eat and drink before your surgery.

4. What should I expect on the Day of Surgery?

   When you arrive for surgery, you will be brought to the Pre-Surgical Area. There you will be seen an examined by a nurse and members of the surgical and anesthesiology teams. An intravenous (IV) line will be started. You will receive fluids and medicine through your IV during the surgery. If appropriate you may also receive anti-anxiety and pain medications. ERAS pathways use multi-modal analgesia (combination of pain medications) to keep you comfortable and safe.

5. What is multimodal analgesia?

   Pain control without over sedation and without causing nausea and/or vomiting are crucial components of the ERAS pathway. Multimodal analgesia uses different medications and techniques that act at different sites to control pain. This allows lower doses and less side effects. Included are NSAIDs, acetaminophen, local anesthetics, opiates and simple, effective measures such as ice.

6. What is a nerve block?

   Some surgical pain is best treated with a nerve block. Nerve blocks inject numbing medications near specific nerves to decrease pain during and after surgery. This may be used along with general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the best option for you.

7. What should I expect after surgery?

   After your surgery, you will go to the Postoperative Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).  Here you will be monitored closely until it is time to move to a post-surgical unit. Once you are in the post-surgical unit, your surgical team will work with you to get you home.

   You should expect to:

   • Meet your Care Team, including:
     • Nursing
     • Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist (help you move safely and correctly)
     • Care Coordinator/Social work (evaluate your needs at home)
   • Get up and out of bed as soon as the day of surgery
   • Eat and drink as soon on the day of surgery
   • Have pain that is tolerable and doesn't prevent you from breathing comfortably and moving around.
   • Increase your activity level each day 
   • Support from your surgical, anesthesia and nursing teams to achieve these goals