The effects of post-operative pain management when comparing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) to the traditional approach amongst patients undergoing general surgery

Abstract

Chronic pain patients are vulnerable to developing addictions due to the long duration of high dose prescription narcotics. Consequently, optimal treatment approaches need to be identified for patients who are at high risk for addiction and for patients who have to undergo surgery but have a history of opioid abuse. Question: In the adult patients receiving general surgery, how does the ERAS approach, in comparison to the traditional approach, affect pain management during the postoperative period? Purpose: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) as a multimodal approach has recently emerged as the best evidence-based practice in minimizing postoperative complications including pain management in general surgeries.