[Anesthesiologists play a pivotal role in the enhanced recovery after surgery program]

In recent years, specific approaches for perioperative patient management have been proposed based on the clinical evidence from various studies. The approaches are called "Enhanced recovery after surgery program", focusing on the early recovery of patients after surgery as the primary endpoint. Specifically, reduction of postoperative morbidity, improvement of safety, reduction of hospitalization period, and reduction of medical cost are sought in the program. The program is practiced in the clinical setting by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, caseworkers, and hospital clerks. In the practice, anesthesiologists provide stress-free treatment to patients in various situations, the surgically-associated reduction of various functions in patients, and help shorten the recovery period. In the program, anesthesiologists are responsible for making important decisions and play a pivotal role in the perioperative management team.