Department of Surgery Launches Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program

The Depatment of Surgery has launched the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. Led by Ankit Sarin, M.D., MHA, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Lee-Lynn Chen, M.D. Associate Professor of Anesthesia, ERAS is focused on the improvement of surgical outcomes, development of best practices in perioperative surgical care, and an engaging, proactive patient experience. 

ERAS is a pilot program currently focused on colorectal surgery. The expectation is for it to expand to other areas of general surgery, and later to specialties such as thoracic and vascular surgery. The ERAS program includes an outstanding multidisciplinary team, comprised of surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain management specialists, nurses, dietitians and other professionals. The group works seamlessly and collaboratively to develop and implement evidenced-based interventions and protocols that improve surgical outcomes for patients. 

The ERAS working committee will continuously monitor available clinical evidence to identify the most effective interventions for its patient population, selecting those that provide maximal improvement in health status before surgery.

Patients will receive personalized state-of-the-art perioperative care in this pioneering program with an ERAS clinic opening early next year at Mission Bay. Optimal combination of medications and fluids will be tailored to the needs of each patient. Post-surgery,early feeding, early mobility and emphasis on non-sedating pain medications will be the touchstone of care. Patients will be expected to be active participants in their recovery, with an array of audiovisual aids and written handouts guiding that process.

Surgery Grand Rounds - 9/28/2016