Cesarean section ERAS pathway reduces recovery time, improves outcomes

Editor's Note

A new enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway has been developed and implemented at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to enhance recovery after cesarean delivery.

Updated guidelines for the ERAS pathway include:

• Intake of water and clear sports drinks before surgery to keep mother hydrated.
• Walking after surgery to encourage incision healing and improve body function.
• Non-opioid medications for pain management.
• Early postoperative eating and drinking to help mother regain strength.

As part of the ERAS pathway, nurses begin communicating with mothers about recovery before admission, and they follow them through admission, preoperative preparation, surgery, and recovery.