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New Era of Bowel Surgery Recovery Begins
27 July 2012
New Era of Bowel Surgery Recovery Begins
The Midland region is entering a new era in preparation and recovery from bowel surgery, with the introduction of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme.
Wendy Carey, Project Manager of Surgical Services at Bay of Plenty DHB and lead for the project, says that the Denmark-developed programme has resulted in many benefits to both patients and staff.
Anaesthetic and surgical protocols have been developed to reduce the stress of surgery, to improve pain relief and to enhance patient recovery. Under this programme, the average length of stay in hospital after a bowel resection can be greatly reduced.
"Patients are able to eat and drink and are out of bed the day of their surgery, and start walking about the ward the following day," says Carey.
"Patients feel better quicker and require less time in hospital following their operation."
The ERAS process is dedicated to helping patients recover sooner. This requires the patient to play an active role in their own recovery, starting before surgery. The majority of patients are seen at pre-admission clinics, where they meet with a nurse, an anaesthetist, and other specialised staff as necessary. This is to ensure that the patient is fit to have the operation, that they understand all that will happen in hospital and that there is a plan in place for discharge.
Introduction of the principles of ERAS is expected to result in fewer complications and patients returning sooner to their usual activities.
The ERAS project for patients who have had colon surgery is taking place at BOP and Waikato DHBs, and will then be rolled out to Taranaki, Lakes and Tairawhiti DHBs.
The project started at Waikato and Thames hospitals this month, said Waikato Hospital unit manager Lynley Gardner.
About Waikato District Health Board and Health Waikato:
Waikato DHB is responsible for planning, funding and providing quality health and disability support services for the 372,865 people living in the Waikato DHB region. It has an annual turnover of $1.2 billion and employs more than 6000 people.
Health Waikato is the DHB’s main provider of hospital and health services with an annual budget of more than $701 million and 5238 staff. It has six groups across five hospital sites, three primary birthing units, two continuing care facilities and 20 community bases offering a comprehensive range of primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
A wide range of independent providers deliver other Waikato DHB-funded health services - including primary health, pharmacies and community laboratories.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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