Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

ERAS for pediatric cardiothoracic surgery isn’t widely available. Our program follows research-based guidelines to prepare your child and family physically and mentally. We may use a variety of strategies. Here’s what to expect.

Before Surgery 

We work to:

• Provide education and information about the surgery, expected results and how you can help your child heal and recover
  
• Improve nutrition and respiratory function and strengthen your child’s health for better healing and reduced risk for infection
• Reduce the time needed for fasting to improve nutrition and hydration, and reduce potential stress on the body

During Surgery 

We work to:

• Use specialized anesthesia methods and medicines to reduce stress on the body, keep heart rate stable and ensure effective pain control during and after surgery 
• Manage fluids to maintain proper hydration while reducing the risk for complications
• Use minimally invasive approaches when possible, which can mean fewer, smaller cuts on the outside of the skin, less pain, reduced risk for complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery
• Maintain normal body temperature to reduce the risk for bleeding, infection and complications after surgery

After Surgery 

We work to:

• Remove breathing tubes early to reduce complications from mechanical ventilation
• Get your child moving sooner after surgery to prevent muscle weakness, improve lung function and enhance overall recovery
• Use a combination of methods to manage pain and prevent nausea, like regional anesthesia (numbing specific areas), non-opioid medicines and non-drug therapies
• Begin enteral feeding (nutrients given through a tube) as soon as possible to support good nutrition and digestive function
• Start discharge planning early, working closely with families and care teams for a safe, timely transition to home care