What is enhanced recovery after surgery?
Enhanced recovery after surgery, or ERAS, is a way to help people prepare for surgery. The goal is to help you get ready for surgery and get better sooner. Before your surgery, you:
- Eat well in the days leading up to the surgery.
- Drink lots of clear fluids.
- Learn some basic information about your surgery. Doing this can put your mind at ease.
Your doctor will explain any other tips to help you recover. You may have to avoid some foods. You may also need to empty your colon with a laxative or an enema.
During surgery, you may get different kinds of medicine for pain. This can help you heal sooner and feel less pain later.
Soon after surgery, you will also drink fluids, eat as soon as you can, and try to walk a little. Different types of pain medicine may be used after surgery. This can also reduce the need for opioids and reduce side effects like constipation.
These recovery tips may be recommended for many types of surgeries, such as:
- Colorectal surgery.
- Surgery on the veins, arteries, heart, lungs, or other organs.
- Surgery to remove a growth (tumour).
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help ease your fears. It can also help you take an active role in your recovery. Ask the doctor any questions you may have.
What can you expect during your surgery?
You will get medicine so that you relax and don't feel pain during your surgery.
The surgical team will closely watch your fluid levels during the surgery to keep you well hydrated.
What can you expect after your surgery?
You will drink water and eat healthy foods as soon as you can after surgery. Try to sit up in a chair while you eat.
The doctor or nurse will encourage you to get up and walk as soon as you can. The more you can move, or at least sit up in a chair, the better.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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