T
he concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)
has been around for more than 20 years, introduced in
colorectal and abdominal cases as fast-tracked "acceler-
ated surgery" that tried to reduce surgical stress and
organ dysfunction in order to speed up postoperative
recovery times. While the patient-centered, evidence-based interven-
tions have been adopted to some degree in orthopedic arenas, particu-
larly with hip and knee arthroplasties, widespread adoption of ERAS
principles in the overall total joints space has been limited.
3 6 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0
Alan David Kaye, MD, PhD | Shreveport, La.
ERAS Protocols are Pathways to Success
Enhanced recovery protocols improve patient experiences, clinical out-
comes and your facility's bottom line.
DELICATE BALANCE Minimally invasive surgical tech-
niques, regional anesthesia and maintaining normothermia
make procedures as stress-free as possible for patients.
LSU
HSC
