Major centres for colorectal surgery have been using colorectal surgery enhanced recovery programmes (ERAS)
This has also been called fast-track surgery, for several years now. The first was developed by Henrik Kehlet, a Danish surgeon in 1997.
These programmes aim to improve and optimise many steps in the treatment, surgery and rehabilitation and to maximise patient recovery at every stage.
Colorectal surgery enhanced recovery programmes start before surgery
Preparation is important with both physical and mental preparation. It is crucial that you get good information about the enhanced recovery programme that you will follow after surgery.
It is best to go through this carefully and ask questions so that you know what to expect.
Increasingly, ERAS specialist nurses will provide pre-surgery educational programmes to prepare patients.
Emphasis is placed on early mobilisation and nutrition. With more of the recovery happening in the comfort of your own home, away from the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
You will also have all the usual pre-operative checks for blood pressure, lung and heart function, and routine blood tests.
Patients benefit from a shorter hospital stay
“When we use colorectal surgery enhanced recovery programmes, most patients will only need to stay in hospital for five to seven nights, even for major colorectal surgery.
This may be a little longer for patients who need open colorectal surgery or stomas.”
Mr Wilson supports and encourages the use of colorectal surgery enhanced recovery programmes with his NHS and private patients.
Getting mobile
Experience and clinical studies show that people having colorectal surgery who remobalise within the first 24 hours recover faster. It also helps if they start to eat and drink as soon as possible.
This is the case for both open surgery and laparoscopic bowel surgery. Previously, patients were traditionally on bed rest for weeks. They were and only allowed to start drinking and eating when there were signs of bowel function returning.
On the day of surgery
You will be told to fast from the midnight before surgery. Some people will need bowel preparation (strong oral laxatives) to clear out the colon, but this isn’t always necessary.
Some centres offer a drink rich in carbohydrates to take just before surgery as this speeds recovery.
Unless your operation is very late in the day, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk around a little on the day that you have surgery.
The first days of recovery
Eating and drinking
As soon as you are able to eat and drink, you should. You will be offered effective pain relief and anti-nausea medication as needed. Strong pain relief is generally only used in the first two days. Your pain is then monitored regularly as you move to oral painkillers.
Eating little and often can help, as can drinking high protein, high-calorie drinks.
The next day, you will be encouraged to walk more and be out of bed for a few hours.
This helps get your bowels moving again, and it reduces the risk of blood clots in your legs. Unless you are attached to lots of equipment (e.g. an epidural or urinary catheter) you will also be encouraged to dress in your ordinary clothes. This is rather than a gown or night clothes. This helps you to feel as if you are getting better and that you are progressing towards going home. Psychology is crucial in the post-operative period.
Stoma care
If you have to have an ileostomy or colostomy (stoma) as part of your surgery, where the small bowel or colon is brought out on to the skin’s surface and the bowel waste (stool) empties into a bag attached to your abdomen, your hospital will usually have a dedicated stoma nurse to train you in how to take care of your stoma and provide psychological support.
Your training for an ERAS educational programme begins before surgery and continues on the ward afterwards.
The specialist nurse will also be available for advice after you are discharged. Some stomas are only temporary, but some may be permanent and it is important to learn how to accept it as part of your everyday routine.
Going home
You will need someone to collect you and then look after you when you get home, but you should continue your programme of mobility and regular eating. You will be given various liaison numbers to call in case of problems, so that you can ring for advice and support.