Colorectal surgery patients use fewer opioids, report less pain with enhanced recovery after surgery ▫️Colorectal surgery patients who were a part of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program had less pain, while using nearly half as many opioids, according to research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2019 annual meeting. ▫️ERAS protocols focus on reducing the use of opioids while minimizing pain, expediting patient recovery, decreasing complications and shortening hospital length of stay. - Championed by physician anesthesiologists, ERAS is an aspect of the Perioperative Surgical Home, a comprehensive suite of services, resources and tools that support team-based care. ▫️In the study, opioid use after colorectal surgery was reduced by providing alternatives, such as ketorolac, acetaminophen, gabapentin and ketamine, as well as by managing patient expectations, e.g., letting them know that some pain is normal and to be expected after surgery.
