| Abstract: | In the year 2002, despite an improvement in perioperative care, major and minor surgical procedures may be followed by sequelae such as pain, organ dysfunction, and prolonged recovery. Surgeons and anesthesiologists should recognize that multidisciplinary and multimodal approaches are necessary to improve postoperative outcomes. Some European investigators have designed accelerated perioperative care programs that include features such as preoperative patient instruction, protocols for intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia, early enteral nutrition, and early enforced mobilization. The relative impact of these techniques on pain, the stress response, and bowel function recovery will be discussed in greater detail in this article. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved. |
