Our Summary

This research paper discusses Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), which is a strategic approach developed by a diverse group of healthcare professionals to help patients recover faster after surgery. The approach is designed to reduce the stress that surgery puts on the body and speed up recovery time. This strategy has been particularly effective in general surgery procedures, improving the overall patient experience.

ERAS strategies are mostly based on three phases of surgical care: preparation before admission, treatment during surgery, and care after surgery. This paper examines how ERAS strategies can be applied to craniomaxillofacial surgery (surgery involving the skull, face, jaw, and neck) and outlines recommendations from previous studies on how to improve recovery outcomes. The goal is to reduce the amount of time patients stay in the hospital after surgery, improve the quality of care, and optimize the overall surgical process.

FAQs

  1. What is Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) in the context of craniofacial surgery?
  2. How does the ERAS protocol contribute to improvements in patient experience after craniofacial surgery?
  3. What are the three phases of surgical care in the ERAS protocol for craniomaxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about craniofacial surgery is to follow the preoperative and postoperative care instructions provided by the medical team. This may include specific guidelines for medications, wound care, activity level, and follow-up appointments. Following these instructions can help optimize the surgical outcome and facilitate a faster recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from craniofacial surgery include those with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and facial asymmetry. Additionally, patients with traumatic injuries to the face or skull, as well as those with tumors or other abnormalities affecting the craniofacial region, may also be recommended for craniofacial surgery. Pediatric patients, in particular, may benefit from craniofacial surgery to address developmental issues or correct functional impairments. Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols can help optimize the care and outcomes of these patients undergoing craniofacial surgery.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a craniofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and expectations.
  2. Preoperative assessments, including medical history, physical exam, and imaging studies.
  3. Preoperative education on the surgical procedure, potential risks and complications, and postoperative care instructions.
  4. Preoperative optimization, such as nutritional support, smoking cessation, and physical therapy.

After craniofacial surgery:

  1. Immediate postoperative care in the recovery room, including monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  2. Transfer to a regular hospital room for further observation and recovery.
  3. Gradual resumption of oral intake and mobility under the guidance of the medical team.
  4. Physical therapy and rehabilitation to aid in recovery and improve functional outcomes.
  5. Discharge planning and postoperative follow-up appointments for wound care and monitoring of progress.
  6. Long-term follow-up to assess outcomes and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedures will be involved in my craniofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and postoperative care plan?
  4. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  5. How will pain management be handled during and after the surgery?
  6. What are the expected outcomes and long-term effects of the surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing craniofacial surgeries?
  8. What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  10. How can I best prepare for the surgery to optimize my recovery outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Kavoosi T, Pillai A, Rajasekaran A, Obayemi A Jr. Journal: Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2024 Feb;32(1):181-187. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.07.004. Epub 2023 Aug 23. PMID: 37981413