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Review
. 2021 Jan-Feb;12(1):39-51.
doi: 10.6004/jadpro.2021.12.1.4. Epub 2021 Jan 1.

Roadmap to the Enhanced Thoracic Surgical Journey

TaCharra Y D Woodard  1 , Carla M Patel  1 , Garrett L Walsh  1
Affiliations
Review

Roadmap to the Enhanced Thoracic Surgical Journey

TaCharra Y D Woodard et al. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2021 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

The Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that directly impacts the functional recovery and quality of life of patients after surgery. Initiated in 2013 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by the Liver Surgery group and expanded to numerous specialties, the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department developed a version of Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery in 2014. The benefits gained thus far include (1) decreased postoperative complications, (2) reduced hospital length of stay, (3) decreased opioid usage, (4) decreased healthcare costs, and (5) improved patient satisfaction. This article aims to provide a brief description of the history of the enhanced recovery approach and to identify the critical elements of the program necessary for improved patient care. It is intended to serve as a practical guide for program implementation in thoracic surgery departments at other institutions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
No-Foley protocol. POD = postoperative day.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Atrial fibrillation management. EKG = electrocardiogram; CBC = complete blood count; BMP = basic metabolic panel; BP = blood pressure; TSH = thyroid stimulating hormone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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