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Review Papers | Anaesthesiology | India | Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023 | Rating: 5.6 / 10
The Role of Anesthesia in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocols: A Critical Analysis
Kotipalli Venkat Sai Sashanka | Gattu Vijayalaxmi [2] | Anjani Davuluri
Abstract: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols have emerged as a comprehensive approach to optimize perioperative care, aiming to enhance patient recovery, reduce complications, and expedite the return to normalcy following surgical procedures. Among the multifaceted components of ERAS, anesthesia plays a pivotal role in influencing patient outcomes and contributing to the success of the overall protocol. This critical analysis delves into the intricate relationship between anesthesia practices and ERAS, exploring the key factors that impact patient recovery and examining the evidence supporting the role of anesthesia in optimizing perioperative care. The first section of this analysis provides an overview of ERAS protocols, elucidating the core principles and components that define this patient-centered approach. It highlights the shift from traditional perioperative care paradigms to the more collaborative and evidence-based strategies employed in ERAS, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to surgical care. Subsequently, the analysis delves into the specific aspects of anesthesia within ERAS protocols. It examines the preoperative phase, where risk assessment, patient education, and personalized anesthesia plans are crucial in setting the foundation for successful recovery. The discussion extends to intraoperative considerations, including the choice of anesthesia technique, fluid management, and pain control strategies, all of which are critical determinants of postoperative outcomes. Furthermore, the analysis scrutinizes the postoperative phase, where the impact of anesthesia on early mobilization, pain management, and gastrointestinal function is assessed. It explores the role of regional anesthesia techniques, such as epidurals and nerve blocks, in minimizing opioid use and facilitating faster recovery. The implications of anesthesia-related complications and their potential to disrupt the trajectory of enhanced recovery are also examined in detail. The critical analysis incorporates a comprehensive review of current literature, clinical studies, and meta analyses to evaluate the strength of evidence supporting the influence of anesthesia on ERAS outcomes. It addresses controversies, gaps in knowledge, and areas warranting further research to refine anesthesia protocols within the ERAS framework. In conclusion, this critical analysis underscores the integral role of anesthesia in the success of ERAS protocols. By dissecting the perioperative phases and evaluating the impact of anesthesia on key components of enhanced recovery, it provides insights that can inform clinical practice, guide future research endeavors, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of ERAS as a paradigm for optimizing surgical care.
Keywords: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), Critical Analysis, Role of Anesthesia, Patient Recovery, Postoperative Management, Anesthetic Techniques, Multidisciplinary Approach, Evidence-Based Medicine
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023,
Pages: 1448 - 1451