Our Summary

This research paper is a review of studies on the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) methods in patients who have undergone primary repair of a cleft palate (a birth defect where the roof of the mouth, or palate, doesn’t form completely). The researchers looked at how these ERAS methods impacted patients’ recovery, specifically in terms of their need for painkillers, the length of their hospital stay, their rate of return to the emergency room or readmission to the hospital, and any complications they experienced after surgery.

The analysis included six studies, involving a total of 720 patients. The results showed that patients treated with ERAS methods had shorter hospital stays by almost a day and needed fewer painkillers after surgery compared to patients who received standard care. There was no significant difference in the rate of return to the emergency room or hospital readmission between the two groups.

However, the researchers noted that the studies they reviewed varied in how they reported their data, which could limit the strength of their conclusions. They recommend that future studies on ERAS methods use a standard way of reporting their data to make it easier to compare results across different studies.

FAQs

  1. What is Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) method?
  2. What benefits did patients who underwent ERAS methods experience, according to the research?
  3. What limitations did the researchers note in the studies they reviewed regarding ERAS methods?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cleft palate surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include recommendations for pain management, wound care, diet restrictions, and follow-up appointments with healthcare providers. It is also important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in their recovery progress to their healthcare team.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cleft palate surgery are infants born with a cleft palate, as well as older children and adults who may still have an unrepaired cleft palate. Surgery is often recommended to improve speech and feeding difficulties, prevent ear infections, and improve the overall appearance of the face. It is important for patients to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Additionally, patients who undergo cleft palate surgery may benefit from the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) methods to improve their recovery and outcomes.

Timeline

Before cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a cleft palate, usually during infancy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and consultations with the surgical team
  • Patient may undergo additional tests or procedures to prepare for surgery
  • Patient and family receive education on what to expect during and after surgery

After cleft palate surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room immediately after surgery
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty eating or drinking in the days following surgery
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with the surgical team to check on healing progress
  • Patient may need speech therapy or other rehabilitation services to address speech and feeding difficulties
  • Patient and family receive instructions for post-operative care at home, including wound care and pain management

Overall, cleft palate surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful pre-operative planning and post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. The use of ERAS methods in this population shows promise in improving recovery outcomes and reducing the need for pain medication.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cleft palate surgery and the use of ERAS methods include:

  1. What specific Enhanced Recovery After Surgery methods will be used during my cleft palate surgery?
  2. How will these ERAS methods help with my recovery process?
  3. Will I need less pain medication after surgery if I use ERAS methods?
  4. How long can I expect to stay in the hospital after my surgery with the use of ERAS methods?
  5. What are the potential complications associated with cleft palate surgery and how do ERAS methods help to reduce these risks?
  6. Will I be able to resume normal activities sooner with the use of ERAS methods?
  7. Are there any specific guidelines or precautions I should follow before and after surgery to optimize the benefits of ERAS methods?
  8. How will my follow-up care be different if I use ERAS methods compared to standard care?
  9. Are there any additional resources or support services available to help me during my recovery process with the use of ERAS methods?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources to learn about ERAS methods and how they have been successful in other patients with cleft palate surgery?

Reference

Authors: Asadourian PA, Lu Wang M, Demetres MR, Imahiyerobo TA, Otterburn DM. Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2023 Oct;60(10):1230-1240. doi: 10.1177/10556656221096631. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582828