Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a coordinated approach to the surgical process. Its aim is to better inform the patient, anticipate their discharge, minimize the consequences of surgery, and promote their independence. It does not involve applying a uniform protocol to everyone, nor does it shorten a hospital stay at the expense of safety.
RAAC: What exactly are we talking about?
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) describes enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) as an approach that encompasses all stages: before, during, and after the procedure. The program is developed by a multidisciplinary team using protocols tailored to a specific specialty, operation, and institution.
- The patient receives understandable information and participates in the process.
- Discharge and continuity of care are prepared in advance.
- Pain, nausea, mobility and feeding are anticipated.
- The practices are evaluated and improved by the team.
The English term Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) refers to the same principle. The specific methods vary: a relevant element in digestive surgery is not automatically applicable to orthopedic, gynecological, or urological surgery.
What RAAC is not
- This is not a promise of an "express" recovery.
- There is no obligation to return home on the day of the operation.
- This is not a universal prescription for medication or supplements.
- It is not a series of goals to be achieved despite pain, discomfort, or complications.
Discharge is based on clinical and organizational criteria assessed by the team, not on a stopwatch. A program can be modified or interrupted if the patient's condition requires it.
Before the operation: inform and anticipate
Understanding the journey
A consultation or dedicated information session can outline the expected steps, the objectives tailored to the intervention, the discharge conditions, and the professionals to contact. Some facilities provide a booklet or an "ERAC passport" to track this information.
The patient can note down their questions and practical difficulties: living alone, having to climb stairs, caring for a loved one, not fully understanding instructions, or not having a caregiver. This information helps prepare a realistic care plan.
Assess health status
The team looks for factors that may influence the intervention or recovery: chronic illnesses, treatments, allergies, nutrition, mobility, smoking, alcohol, sleep, psychological state, and autonomy. Adaptations are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Do not stop taking medication or start taking dietary supplements on your own initiative. If physical activity, nutritional support, withdrawal, or pre-operative rehabilitation is beneficial, it must be offered with goals that are compatible with your condition.
Prepare for discharge before admission
- Identify the accompanying person and the transport if the establishment requests them.
- Anticipate prescriptions, appointments and outpatient care.
- Create useful passageways in the home without purchasing any unrecommended devices.
- Keep the service's contact details and the warning signs specific to the intervention.
Our pre-operation preparation checklist allows you to gather documents, questions and logistical elements without inventing medical instructions.
During the intervention: coordinating practices
The operative phase directly concerns the professionals. Depending on the surgery and the patient, the program may include measures designed to limit the effects of surgical stress, maintain physiological balance, prevent infections, nausea and thromboembolic complications, or reduce certain devices when they are not necessary.
The choice of surgical technique, anesthesia, analgesia, and treatments belongs to the team. An information page intended for the public should not provide a medication regimen to be replicated.
After the operation: recover with appropriate goals
Pain, nausea and comfort
The team will assess your pain and other symptoms to tailor your care. Report how you feel; don't try to achieve a walking or eating goal by masking discomfort. After discharge, follow only the prescription and instructions provided.
Drink, eat and get moving
An earlier resumption of eating or mobilization is part of many programs, but the pace depends on the procedure and your condition. Wait for the team's approval, ask for help getting up for the first time, and report any nausea, dizziness, pain, or unusual difficulties.
Probes, drains and dressings
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care may involve avoiding or removing certain devices when they are no longer needed. This decision remains with the medical team. Do not handle a drain, catheter, IV line, or dressing except as instructed by the team.
How is the exit decided?
The criteria differ depending on the surgery and the type of hospitalization. The team may notably check the general condition, pain, absence of immediate complications, the possibility of drinking or eating when relevant, the necessary mobility, understanding of instructions and the organization of the return home.
- Ask who approves the outing and under what conditions.
- Check the treatments, care and scheduled appointments.
- Keep a contact person available in case of problems.
- Have them rephrase the signs that require calling the service or emergency services.
A later return than expected is not a failure on the part of the patient. It may simply reflect a necessary adjustment to the treatment plan.
Returning home is part of the program
Continuity of care must be organized: referral letter, prescription, community healthcare professionals, follow-up, and service number. The Health Insurance system indicates that, in certain situations, Prado support can facilitate the implementation of post-hospitalization care.
Consult our post-surgery recovery at home guide to prepare the environment, follow discharge paperwork, and recognize situations that require advice.
When to ask for help
Use the number provided by the facility if recovery does not follow what has been explained to you: increasing pain despite prescribed treatment, persistent vomiting, difficulty drinking, fever above the indicated threshold, bleeding, change in the wound, unusual swelling or discomfort.
In case of respiratory distress, chest pain, loss of consciousness, significant bleeding or other obvious emergency, call 15 or 112 immediately.
F.A.Q
Can all patients undergo ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)?
The approach extends to many specialties, but its content and feasibility are assessed by the team. Associated illnesses, autonomy, and social situation may lead to adjustments in the care plan.
Are RAAC and outpatient surgery the same thing?
No. Outpatient surgery refers to care provided with admission and discharge on the same day. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a comprehensive recovery plan that can also include hospitalization with overnight stays.
Do I need to follow a specific menu or any particular supplements?
Only if recommended by the team or a qualified professional after evaluation. Do not introduce any drink, powder, or supplement presented as a universal "RAAC protocol."
Preoperative coordination often includes a pre-prepared anesthesia consultation with all necessary documents . Recovery goals remain defined by the team and are not derived from a general checklist.
Institutional sources
- French National Authority for Health, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programs.
- French National Authority for Health, Improving recovery after major surgery.
- Health insurance, hospitalization and return home.
- Ministry of Health, Outpatient Surgery.
General information article, verified on July 16, 2026. It does not replace the assessment or protocol of your care team.
