Early Recovery After Surgery

Authors

Catherine Pierce, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Neurosurgery

Advisor

Dr. Trey Boyd

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review available evidence that shows a correlation between a prescribed pre, intra and post-operative protocol and specific measurable outcomes such as length of stay, pain scores, wound infections, re-admissions or second surgeries, and overall cost-reduction.

Method: PubMed literature search was conducted using the terms early recovery after surgery (ERAS) and spine surgery. Available literature was narrowed down to include pertinent literature review articles and cohort studies that include complex elective spinal procedures.

Results: There is extensive literature supporting the development of an ERAS program in a neurosurgical practice. Selecting the most appropriate patients and procedures to be included in a new ERAS program is based on desired outcomes and requires a focused review of available literature including systematic reviews, cohort studies, and case-control studies.

Conclusion: Enrolling patients undergoing invasive procedures with a higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, and more difficult pain control into ERAS protocols will lead to overall improvement in measurable patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Early Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), Spine, Elective Spine Surgery, Fusion, Surgical Outcomes

Recommended Citation

Pierce C. Early Recovery After Surgery. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(3).