Enhanced recovery after surgery among adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has evolved over the past two decades. Originally aimed to standardize care among adults undergoing colorectal surgery, the tenets that developed have since been broadly accepted by a large number of adult surgical subspecialties, including bariatric surgery. This multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach involving optimizing pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases of care has resulted in shorter hospitalizations, fewer complications, and lower mortality rates. Recently, multiple pediatric surgery subspecialties have adopted ERAS principles and have documented similar favorable outcomes. Among adolescent bariatric patients, outcomes following the implementation of ERAS have not yet been described. We will review the history and goals of ERAS and detail pediatric surgery specific implementations. We will also review outcomes associated with ERAS within specific pediatric surgical subspecialties. Lastly, we will discuss the current ERAS protocol developed at Children's Hospital Colorado for adolescent bariatric surgery.