Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: Rationale and Components.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are spreading throughout various fields in surgery. ERAS protocols involve the implementation of evidence-based elements of care that are applied throughout the entire perioperative period to facilitate optimal recovery for the patient. ERAS protocols have been associated with improvements in quality of care, patient-reported and operative outcomes, and patient safety as well as reductions in cost. Thus, ERAS protocols have led to an overall improvement in health care value for the patient and the health care system.