The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons released, in Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, enhanced recovery guidelines concerning colon and rectal surgery patients, Physician's Briefing reports.
The guidelines were developed to update previous guidelines from January 2012. The societies created the guidelines to help influence clinical decisions. The societies caution that a physician's' judgment should ultimately dictate the proper course of treatment.
Here's what you should know:
1. The guidelines center on implementing an enhanced recovery protocol.
2. Centers and surgeons that implement an ERP can reduce complications, length of stay and healthcare costs. ERPs are also associated with improved patient satisfaction.
3. ERPs improve outcomes regardless of surgery type.
4. To ensure success, ERPs must be continuously audited.
To read the full guideline, click here.