What is enhanced recovery?

Enhanced recovery is a new way of improving the experience and well-being of patients who need major surgery. It helps them to recover sooner so that life can return to normal as quickly as possible. The programme involves a multi-disciplinary team and focuses on making sure patients are actively involved in their recovery.

There are four main stages

1. Planning and preparation before admission (including early nutrition).
2. Reducing the physical stress of the operation.
3. A structured approach to peri-operative (during surgery) and post-operative (after surgery) management including pain relief.
4. Early mobilisation (getting people moving as soon as possible).

Early mobilisation

We will provide patients with an early mobilisation plan. The purpose of this plan is to get patients moving as soon as possible and would involve exercising in bed on the day of surgery and assisting the patient to walk increasing distances on the ward every day until they are discharged. 

Goals for an enhanced rapid recovery following surgery

Post operation goals:

Day of surgery 

• Exercising in bed

Day 1

• Sit out of bed in normal daytime clothes
• Short regular walks with staff
• Adequate pain relief to enable patient to move and exercise

Day 2

• Walking with crutches  
• Regular exercise as able
• Complete steps assessment

Day 3

• Discharged with a structured exercise regime for home

Post discharge goals:

Week 1-4

• Regular pain relief
• Daily exercises
• Regular short walks

Week 4-6

• Increased walks
• Reduce pain relief
• Improved well being

Week 12

• Return to active hobbies
• Return to work