The Surgical clinics of North America
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Surg. Clin. North Am. · Dec 2018
ReviewOverview of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: The Evolution and Adoption of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in North America.
Enhanced Recovery is broadly defined as the application of evidence based perioperative care elements for improved surgical outcomes. Demonstration of decreasing surgical stress with innovation of surgical technique, in combination with pressure to drive down health care costs, have coalesced into a unique version of perioperative medicine in the United States. The US government has failed to show interest; there are no performance metrics, no participation requirements, and certainly no monetary incentives for implementation of best perioperative practices. When considering the term, Enhanced Recovery is, in its broadest sense, an amalgam of industry, innovation, patient-focused care, cost-effective strategies, and collaboration with a goal of best perioperative outcomes.
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Although the utilization of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways has become more prevalent, issues of compliance and implementation remain. Limiting the complexity of new ERAS protocols by maintaining the core elements of ERAS, along with the development of complementary protocols (prehabilitation, the perioperative surgical home, and telemedicine) may improve overall uptake and subsequent patient outcomes. The future directions of ERAS should be centered on improving the dissemination of the practice and ongoing expansion of patient care outside the immediate hospital period.
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Surg. Clin. North Am. · Dec 2018
ReviewEnhanced Recovery After Surgery: Implementation Strategies, Barriers and Facilitators.
Numerous reports have documented the effectiveness of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways in improving recovery and decreasing morbidity and length of stay. However, there is also increasing evidence that ERAS® guidelines are difficult to adopt and require the commitment of all members of the perioperative team. Multiple barriers related to limited hospital resources (financial, staffing, space restrictions, and education), active or passive resistance from members of the perioperative team, and lack of data and/or education have been identified. Thus, ERAS® guidelines require a tailored implementation strategy to increase adherence.
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Acute diverticulitis is a common condition that has been increasing in incidence in the United States. It is associated with increasing age, but the pathophysiology of acute diverticulitis is still being elucidated. It is now believed to have a significant contribution from inflammatory processes rather than being a strictly infectious process. There are still many questions to be answered regarding the optimal management of acute diverticulitis because recent studies have challenged traditional practices, such as the routine use of antibiotics, surgical technique, and dietary restrictions for prevention of recurrence.
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Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), defined as intraluminal hemorrhage proximal to the ligament of Treitz, can range from mild and asymptomatic to massive life-threatening hemorrhage. For the purposes of this article, the authors define an acute UGIB to be one that results in new acute symptoms and is, therefore, potentially life-threatening. ⋯ Surgeon involvement in UGIBs remains integral despite the rare need for operative management. Endoscopy is the primary tool for diagnosis and treatment.