Can Enhanced Recovery Pathways Prevent Opioid-Related Harm in Thoracic Surgical Patients?

The focus of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is the quality of a patient’s recovery.1 By blunting the harmful stress response to surgery, recovery is quicker with a lower likelihood of a poor postoperative outcome. Minimizing opioid use is a key component of ERAS pathways, not least because opioids are associated with delayed recovery from surgery. Their side effects (nausea, constipation, sedation, depressed ventilation, and suppression of coughing) impact on a variety of ERAS targets including nausea control, early mobilization, and a quick return to oral diet.