One of the concerns every parent has about their child’s surgery is recovery. How long will it take? How much pain will they have? You want your child to feel better as soon as possible. So do we. That’s why at UVA Health Children’s, we use an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.
UVA Health Childrens' ERAS program helps make sure your child is as comfortable as possible before and after surgery. With ERAS, your child should:
- Have a shorter recovery time
- Have fewer complications
- Get to go home sooner
Since 2013, UVA Health has used this system for our adult surgery patients. We’ve expanded this program to pediatric surgery as well.
How Does ERAS Work?
ERAS helps your child keep their body’s normal routine as much as possible. By helping them move and maintain their food and fluid intake as much as possible, patients have faster recoveries with ERAS. This also helps reduce the need for opioid painkillers, which can have serious side effects.
The 4 Steps of Successful ERAS Programs
ERAS works at 4 critical points in your child’s surgery.
- Pre-surgery: Inform and prepare
- Surgery: Maintain routines to reduce stress
- Pain relief: Develop a plan for comfort
- Return to normal: Move and eat after surgery
Each of these steps looks a little different depending on the type of surgery your child gets. But the goal is always to improve your child’s experience before and after surgery.
Using The ERAS App
ERAS uses an app that can be installed on your smartphone. When it’s time to stop taking medications, you’ll get a reminder. You’ll also get reminders about parking instructions, what to bring to the hospital, and other personalized information.
You can also read more about what to expect from your child’s hospital stay here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
We expect to answer a lot of questions before and after your child’s surgery. No parent wants for their child to be in pain, or to struggle after surgery. We’ll make sure to address each of your individual questions. But here are some common questions about enhanced recovery after surgery.
If my child drinks before surgery, won’t they throw up?
You should always follow your surgeon's specific instructions because of this risk. At UVA Health Children’s, our pediatric anesthesiologists are familiar with the ERAS protocol. They’ll know when your child last ate or drank, and they’ll be using medication that takes that into account.
Won’t moving after surgery hurt?
We’re going to manage your child’s pain as much as possible. But it’s possible they’ll be uncomfortable when they’re first moving after surgery (most people are). We’ve found that moving sooner rather than later reduces this pain.
So, we’ll get to go home sooner?
That is always our goal. On average, ERAS programs do reduce the length of stay. But we’ll still ask your child to stay until they can:
- Eat
- Have a bowel movement
- Be mobile
We'll also talk to you about any concerns you have about going home after surgery, to make sure you're prepared.
Will rushing recovery lead to more complications?
On average, using ERAS means your child has fewer complications after surgery. We’re not rushing recovery, just helping the body stay at its baseline. This means it’s easier for your child to get back to baseline.