Enhanced recovery program is a set of measures aimed at reducing surgical stress (or aggression) thereby reducing postoperative complications.

The theoretical duration of hospitalisation varies from a few days to more than two weeks (depending on the situation). Beyond the standard and necessary medical monitoring, the comfort of the patient operated on during this period is an absolute priority.

It is now proven that a partial change to the care pathway (before, during and after surgical intervention) could not only shorten the hospital stay after surgery, but also the reduce the risk of general complications.

Your role in this management is essential. Your participation begins with the first medical consultations before the operation and continues after, and even beyond the hospital stay. You become a central actor in your care throughout this period. You are directly involved in the early recovery procedure in the following way:

BEFORE THE INTERVENTION

• by participating, if your state of health so requires, in this surgery preparation phase called prehabilitation
• by having read and understood the principle of these procedures
• by factoring in that these procedures are not designed to “drive you out” of hospital but rather to avoid an unnecessary and prolonged stay (risk of hospital-acquired infections)
• by committing to actively participate in the procedures
• by following the clear fluids instructions (possibly sweetened) up to two hours before the intervention
• by taking, in agreement with the medical team, all the measures required for discharge from hospital as soon as the conditions are met

AFTER THE INTERVENTION AND DURING YOUR HOSPITAL STAY

• • by forcing yourself to get out of bed as early as the afternoon of the day of the operation
  • by following, as far as possible, the early feeding instructions
  • by leaving the bedroom to walk in the corridor of the ward as soon as possible
  • by pressing, when required, the pain relief device button whenever necessary and pointing out any abnormal event

AFTER LEAVING HOSPITAL

• • • by trying hard to resume your normal activities as quickly as possible
    • by contacting the GP or referring surgeon whenever necessary

If personal circumstances do not allow for rapid discharge from hospital, all the necessary measures must be taken well before the intervention is scheduled to find a suitable solution. Furthermore, it is now recognised that an unnecessarily long hospital stay is not without risk.