Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

ERAS is a program that builds on the Calgary ERP program. ERAS strives to reduce the physiologic stress of surgery by focusing on key, evidence-based care elements before, during and after surgery.

ERAS started in colorectal surgery and has spread to other surgical domains, including head and neck surgery. The head and neck ERAS guideline was published in 2017 under the leadership of the ORI team. This guideline now serves as a template for major head and neck surgical care delivery around the world.

In Alberta, the provincial head and neck ERAS program began in 2018 and is facilitated by the provincial electronic medical record (ConnectCare).