Our Summary

This research paper discusses how a new protocol called Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS) has helped decrease the time patients stay in the hospital after chest-related surgeries. The protocol includes different methods like pain management, physical therapy, and ventilator support, among other things. After looking back at the data, researchers found that after introducing ERATS, patients stayed in the hospital two days less on average than before. This shows that the ERATS protocol has helped decrease hospital stay times for patients undergoing chest surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS) protocol?
  2. How has the ERATS protocol helped in decreasing the hospital stay duration for patients undergoing chest surgeries?
  3. What methods are included in the ERATS protocol?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow the recommended post-operative care plan, including taking pain medication as prescribed, attending physical therapy sessions, and following any other instructions given by the medical team. This can help promote a faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign lung tumors, emphysema, severe pneumonia, chest wall deformities, or significant chest trauma. Additionally, patients with conditions such as severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, or advanced lung infections may also be recommended for thoracic surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a thoracic surgeon to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and risks involved.
  2. Preoperative testing such as blood work, imaging studies, and pulmonary function tests.
  3. Preoperative education about the surgery, recovery process, and potential complications.
  4. Preoperative preparation which may include quitting smoking, adjusting medications, and following a specific diet.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Immediate recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for monitoring and pain management.
  2. Transfer to a hospital room for continued monitoring and recovery.
  3. Implementation of pain management techniques such as medications, nerve blocks, and breathing exercises.
  4. Early mobilization and physical therapy to prevent complications and promote healing.
  5. Monitoring for potential complications such as infection, bleeding, or respiratory issues.
  6. Discharge planning and education on postoperative care, medications, and follow-up appointments.
  7. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Overall, the goal of thoracic surgery is to improve the patient’s quality of life by treating conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal disorders, or chest trauma. The ERATS protocol has shown promising results in reducing hospital stay times and improving patient outcomes after thoracic surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery will I be undergoing and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take and what can I do to facilitate a quicker recovery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
  5. What type of pain management can I expect during and after the surgery?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  7. What restrictions or limitations will I have after the surgery, and for how long?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or other rehabilitation services after the surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of this type of surgery, and what are the potential long-term outcomes?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Draeger TB, Gibson VR, Fernandes G, Andaz SK. Journal: Heart Lung Circ. 2021 Aug;30(8):1251-1255. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.01.014. Epub 2021 Mar 13. PMID: 33726996