[Enhanced recovery after surgery program]

In recent years, various perioperative patient management programs have been proposed as "Enhanced recovery after surgery program" in order to improve patient prognosis. These programs are an evidence-based approach which does not use novel drugs or novel therapeutic intervention, but uses conventional medical therapy and skill. In the programs, primary outcome measure is "enhanced recovery after surgery", and secondary outcome measures are "reduced postoperative morbidity, improved safety, reduced hospital stay, and reduced cost". Specifically, early postoperative recovery will be carefully managed by evaluating clinical variables such as "postoperative pain, gut dysfunction, and immobility". These programs aim to keep the reduction of body functions as marginally as possible by minimizing surgical stress imposed on patients and then help shorten the recovery time after surgery.