ERAS in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Otorhinolaryngology (ORL)/otolaryngology-head and neck surgery encompasses a broad range of diseases and procedures. Many ORL procedures are performed on a day surgery basis and are therefore not usually the focus of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. This chapter will primarily consider management of patients undergoing major head and neck resection with free flap reconstruction while recognizing that ERAS principles can easily be applied to other surgical treatments within ORL. Current evidence reveals that care pathways, fast-track protocols, and ERAS all show meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes while reducing length of stay (LOS) and costs of care. We conclude that ERAS approaches should be more broadly applied within ORL.