Benefits of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols for Caesarean Section

A caesarean section is a commonly performed surgical procedure that can severely affect a woman's health and well-being. Traditional strategies for caesarean section usually required longer hospital stays, extended fasting, delayed movement, and standard pain management, leading to increased complications and longer recovery times. In contrast, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols employs a comprehensive approach including preoperative counselling, improved nutrition, multimodal pain relief, and early mobilization to foster quicker recovery, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays. However, extensive research is required to ascertain the effects of ERAS on obstetric surgeries.

The present prospective comparative study was carried out over an 8-month period and involved women scheduled for caesarean sections, who were included based on specific criteria after receiving proper counselling.

The outcome of the study revealed:

• The ERAS group experienced significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the traditional care group. 
• Additionally, pain levels were lower, and postoperative complications were reduced in the ERAS group, resulting in higher patient satisfaction compared to the traditional group.

Thus, the study concluded that implementing ERAS protocols can significantly decrease the hospital stays, improves pain management, and lowers rate of complications without increasing readmissions.

Source: Divya K, Rekha N, Dwarakanath L, Indira H, Kalaburgi RA. Eras in cesarean section: A paradigm shift. Int J Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024;8(6):10-16. DOI: 10.33545/gynae.2024.v8.i6a.1531