Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based care program that helps people recover faster and feel better after surgery. It focuses on what happens before, during, and after surgery to support healing and reduce stress on the body. 

Patients play an active role in preparing for their surgery by moving daily, exercising, eating healthy diets, and following directions given to them by healthcare teams.  

ERAS supports care through careful management by the surgical team during surgery (e.g., sterile skin preparation, temperature regulation, glucose control, blood pressure management, etc.), good pain control, guidance on how to get moving early after surgery, and clear communication to ensure that patients are supported in every step of their surgical journey.

Access

If your surgeon or surgical program uses ERAS, it will be automatically part of your planned surgery.  
 

Your care team will let you know what steps apply to you. If you have questions, ask your surgeon, nurse, or clinic staff. 

Preparation

Before your surgery, you may be asked to: 

• Attend a pre-surgery appointment or class
• Read ERAS patient information
• Follow instructions about eating and drinking
• Stay active, if possible
• Reduce or stop smoking
• Bring all medications (or a list of them)
• Bring your health card and any required paperwork 

Your care team will give you clear instructions. It is important to follow them closely. 

What to expect

Patients and their caregivers play an important and active role in their care before, during and after surgery. ERAS provide clear goals daily and the tools and motivation to continue their recovery at home.  

With ERAS, you can expect: 

• Clear instructions before, during and after surgery
• Active participation in the care plan by the patient and their caregiver(s)
• Support with pain management
• A plan on eating and drinking when safe
• An early mobility plan  
• A focus and clear goals on going home safely as soon as possible 

Every patient is different. Your care team will adjust your plan to meet your needs. 

Follow-up

Follow-up care is an important part of recovery. Your care team will tell you how and when follow up happens: 

• You may have a follow-up visit or phone call
• Your care team will tell you when and how follow-up happens
• You will be told who to contact if you have concerns at home

Learn more 

Patient can register for additional supports through Community Health and Wellness programs. This service does not require a referral. Group Wellness Programs provide health information, resources, and strategies to make health behaviour changes. Topic areas include Health Eating, Physical Activity, Mental Wellness and Reducing Your Health Risks.

For health professionals

Health care providers can access clinical guidelines, pathways, and tools through internal systems. 

• The Compass: Perioperative Services