Today’s surgery has progressed from the days of open surgical procedures, where surgeons were forced to make large incisions and hold them open with clamps for the duration of the operation. In many instances, procedures now rely on less-invasive laparoscopic surgery or robotic surgery.
The smaller incisions needed for laparoscopy and robotic surgery minimize the amount of trauma your body must suffer. Nevertheless, all surgery is invasive and causes trauma.
That’s why our colorectal experts adhere to the evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. At Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford, we prepare you for easier surgery and recovery using ERAS at our Bloomfield, Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor, Connecticut, locations.
How does ERAS help you recover better and faster? Learn here about ERAS’s stages and download our ERAS pamphlet, too.
We didn’t adopt ERAS because it’s the latest trend. The group that developed the ERAS protocol first made recommendations for colorectal surgery and recovery in 2005 and released three subsequent updates. The ERAS society demonstrated that the guidelines:
All of these outcomes remove some of the burdens that surgery otherwise brings. By using ERAS, you also feel more in control of your procedure and your health. Plus you get the benefit of a team approach, so that you feel supported throughout your journey.
As soon as you book your colorectal procedure, prepare for your surgery. Some steps may be easy, such as finding someone to take you to and from the hospital, or packing your hospital bag with needed toiletries and a change of clothing for discharge.
Others may take extra time and effort. For instance, we may make dietary recommendations that require new foods and new ways to prepare them. We want to optimize your nutritional status so you’re strong for your procedure.
If you smoke, you must stop. Smoking not only slows down your healing process, it also raises your risk for complications, such as blood clots.
You also must stop using alcohol. You need to break both of these unhealthy habits by at least four weeks before your surgery. We may refer you to a cessation program.
In addition, you might need to stop hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications. Even some supplements and herbs might cause excessive bleeding and should be stopped.
In the days before your surgery, get everything ready for your “homecoming”:
You may also want to keep your living quarters and everything you need on the first floor. Although you can climb stairs, it might be easier if you don’t.
The day before surgery, eat just one light meal. You must drink a lot of laxatives. Be sure you’re at home and near a toilet to minimize discomfort. We’ll recommend a carbohydrate drink with antioxidants to keep you hydrated.
Before showing up to the hospital, take a shower with soap or with the cleanser we provided you to minimize the amount of bacteria on your skin. Also drink 10 oz of the carbohydrate drink to nourish and hydrate your body, but make sure you finish it at least two hours before your scheduled surgery. Leave all cash and jewelry at home.
Whenever possible, we choose robotic surgery. Robotic surgery only requires a few short incisions, through which we thread miniature cameras and surgical tools. This keeps blood loss to a minimum and also reduces the amount of trauma your body undergoes.
Even with careful preparation and robotic surgery, you are woozy and weak after surgery. You may stay in the hospital for a couple more days as you recover and the anesthesia leaves your body.
We get you moving as soon as it’s safe. Mobility helps your body rid itself of the anesthesia and grow stronger. You may need to do exercises in bed as well as take short walks around the room. We also make sure you get the medications you need to stay comfortable and the fluids you need to stay hydrated.
Once we discharge you, be sure to continue your exercises, walks, and proper nutrition and hydration. Keep your follow-up appointments and contact us if you have unexpected or troubling symptoms.
If you need colorectal surgery, contact our world-class surgeons and ERAS team by phone or online form at the location nearest you for an ERAS consultation today.
