Audio version: Nursing Tips for Prostate Surgery-ERAS

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for prostate surgery, as advocated by experts like Andrea Strong, DNP, emphasize a patient-centered approach to optimize outcomes and expedite recovery. Nurses are integral to this process, starting with preoperative education and preparation. According to Dr. Strong, it’s crucial for nurses to ensure patients understand the ERAS pathway, which includes elements like carbohydrate loading, maintaining hydration, and abstaining from smoking. Assessing and managing any comorbid conditions, optimizing nutritional status, and providing psychological support are also key preoperative tasks. By establishing a rapport and addressing any patient concerns, nurses can significantly reduce pre-surgical anxiety and improve adherence to the ERAS protocols.
Postoperatively, Dr. Strong highlights the importance of early mobilization, effective pain management, and maintaining proper hydration and nutrition. Nurses should encourage patients to begin walking and engaging in light physical activity as soon as possible to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary issues. Utilizing multimodal analgesia to minimize opioid use and its side effects is another critical aspect. Continuous monitoring for signs of complications, such as infection or urinary retention, is essential. Nurses should provide comprehensive education on self-care techniques, including catheter management if necessary. Through effective communication and patient education, nurses can empower patients to follow the ERAS guidelines, facilitating a smoother and faster recovery process and ultimately reducing the length of hospital stays.