2025, Volume 18, Issue 3, pp 179 – 187

Enhanced rehabilitation after surgery: principles in the treatment of emergency complicated colorectal cancers – a narrative review

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Authors and Affiliations

Corresponding author Bogdan-Sorin Capitanu, Department of Orthopedics, Foisor Clinical Hospital of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Osteoarticular Tuberculosis, Bucharest, Romania. E-mail: bogdan.capitanu@rez.umfcd.ro

Abstract

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are used in elective colorectal surgeries and have shown improved recovery for many patients. However, using these protocols in emergency colorectal surgery, especially in complicated cases of obstructive colorectal cancer, is still debated. This review examined the ERAS principles that can be adapted for emergencies. We reviewed the literature on applying ERAS principles in emergency colorectal cancer surgery. We analyzed key strategies used before, during, and after surgery. The aim of ERAS in emergency colorectal surgery is to reduce physical stress from urgent surgical conditions. Before surgery, the focus should be on early patient recovery, managing blood sugar levels, and providing patient education when possible. Minimally invasive techniques, careful fluid management, and effective pain relief during surgery are intraoperative key points. After surgery, early feeding, patient mobilization, and minimizing the use of medical devices are encouraged. Studies have shown that using ERAS in emergencies can lower mortality, reduce hospital stays, and influence patient recovery rates, although it may lead to higher initial costs. Still, following ERAS in emergencies is inconsistent due to logistical issues and patient health changes. More people are starting to recognize the benefits of ERAS in obstructive colorectal cancer surgery. Although there is less evidence compared to elective procedures, new studies suggest that organized steps for care can improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to improve ERAS emergency protocols and identify patients suitable for this approach so that healthcare resources can be used better.

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About this article

PMC ID: 12022730
PubMed ID: 
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2025-0049

Article Publishing Date (print): 3 2025
Available Online: 

Journal information

ISSN Printing: 1844-122X
ISSN Online: 1844-3117
Journal Title: Journal of Medicine and Life

Copyright License: Open Access

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use and redistribution provided that the original author and source are credited.


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