Our Summary

This research paper talks about Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs, which aim to minimize surgical complications, speed up recovery, and improve results after surgery. Key to ERAS is using proven, scientific methods during and after surgery. There is growing interest in applying ERAS to heart surgery, so a group of international experts was gathered to come up with a list of potential procedures, review existing studies, and make recommendations for each area. This paper summarizes those recommendations and the evidence behind them, with the goal of establishing best practices for heart surgery in adults.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs?
  2. What are the goals of applying ERAS to heart surgery?
  3. What does the research paper aim to establish regarding heart surgery in adults?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program guidelines. This may include recommendations such as staying active and mobile before and after surgery, managing pain effectively, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. Following these guidelines can help speed up your recovery, minimize complications, and improve your overall results after cardiac surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Aortic aneurysms
  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmias

These patients may be candidates for procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement or repair, heart transplant, and implantation of pacemakers or defibrillators. It is important for patients to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation, including physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests
  • Patient may be required to stop certain medications and adjust diet leading up to surgery
  • Patient receives information about the surgery, risks, and recovery process
  • Patient may undergo prehabilitation to improve physical fitness before surgery

After cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is transferred to the intensive care unit for monitoring immediately after surgery
  • Patient is gradually weaned off mechanical ventilation and other support systems
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is monitored for complications such as infection, bleeding, and arrhythmias
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues recovery at home with follow-up care from healthcare providers.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of cardiac surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process be, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  6. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make lifestyle changes before and after surgery?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery, and what will be involved in these follow-up appointments?
  8. Are there any specific guidelines or protocols I should follow to optimize my recovery after surgery?
  9. Will I have access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to support me throughout the surgical process and recovery period?
  10. What is the expected timeline for returning to normal activities and resuming exercise after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Grant MC, Crisafi C, Alvarez A, Arora RC, Brindle ME, Chatterjee S, Ender J, Fletcher N, Gregory AJ, Gunaydin S, Jahangiri M, Ljungqvist O, Lobdell KW, Morton V, Reddy VS, Salenger R, Sander M, Zarbock A, Engelman DT. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2024 Apr;117(4):669-689. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.12.006. Epub 2024 Jan 28. PMID: 38284956