Our Summary

This study examined the impact of a medical protocol called “enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS) on patients who had undergone colorectal surgery. The researchers looked at various databases for studies and found 22 studies that met their criteria, including a total of 3702 patients. They found that using ERAS significantly lowered the chances of infection at the surgery site and other post-surgery complications. It also reduced the amount of time patients had to stay in the hospital after surgery. The results suggest that ERAS could be a beneficial approach in colorectal surgery and should be more widely used in the medical field.

FAQs

  1. What is the “enhanced recovery after surgery” (ERAS) protocol?
  2. How does ERAS impact the recovery of patients who have undergone colorectal surgery?
  3. Based on the study, should ERAS be more widely used in colorectal surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about colorectal surgery is to ask about the use of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. This protocol has been shown to lower the risk of infection and other complications, as well as reduce the length of hospital stay after surgery. It is important for patients to discuss this option with their healthcare provider to see if it is appropriate for their individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for colorectal surgery include those with conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, and other colorectal disorders. These patients may have symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Patients who have not responded to other treatments or have complications related to their condition may be candidates for colorectal surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if colorectal surgery is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before colorectal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and tests to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery
  • Patient may be required to follow a special diet and stop certain medications in preparation for surgery
  • Patient receives information about the surgery, including potential risks and benefits
  • Patient may undergo bowel preparation to clean out the colon before surgery

After colorectal surgery:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications
  • Patient gradually resumes eating and drinking, starting with clear liquids and progressing to solid foods as tolerated
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the surgical site, which is managed with pain medication
  • Patient may be encouraged to walk and perform breathing exercises to aid in recovery
  • Patient is monitored for signs of infection, blood clots, or other post-surgery complications
  • Patient may be discharged from the hospital once they are able to eat, drink, walk, and manage their pain effectively
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for post-operative care and monitoring to ensure a smooth recovery process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of colorectal surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after surgery?
  5. What can I do to prepare for surgery (e.g. diet, exercise, medications)?
  6. Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  7. What pain management options will be available to me?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after surgery?
  9. How will the surgery impact my bowel function and digestion?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Li N, Wei S, Qi Y, Wei W. Journal: Int Wound J. 2023 Dec;20(10):3990-3998. doi: 10.1111/iwj.14287. Epub 2023 Aug 31. PMID: 37650448