Tauranga Hospital is seeing an improvement in the recovery time of bowel surgery patients since the introduction of a new programme.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme, designed in Denmark, was introduced to the hospital in September of last year.

Tauranga Hospital surgical services project manager Wendy Carey says it has entirely changed the experience of bowel surgery for Bay of Plenty patients.

'It involves a shift in traditional practices and covers all aspects of the patient's journey through the surgical process – from preventing the patients from being hungry and thirsty before surgery, to managing their pain and nausea so that they are able to start eating, drinking and walking soon after their operation takes place.”

Tauranga and Whakatane Hospital combined performed 188 bowel operations in the last year, 98 of which were elective.

'Thirty four patients have received small bowel or colon surgery under the new ERAS programme since it started.”

Tauranga Hospital colorectal surgeon Dr Mark Omundsen says ERAS has shown a quicker recovery and a reduction in post-operative complications.

'It has been shown in hospitals all over the world to reduce average hospital stay from 8-12 days to 4-7 days,” says Mark.

'It also reduces complication rates and increases patient satisfaction with their hospital care.”

A bowel surgery patient, who wished only to be known as Penny, says she was out of bed and walking around the day after her operation.

'I was surprised I was able to eat and drink straight afterwards and by how quickly my pain was under control.”

ERAS requires the patient to play an active role in their own recovery.

'I went to pre-admission clinics to find out exactly what was going to be involved, and met with a nurse, anaesthetist and other specialised staff,” says Penny.

'I was really mentally prepared before I went in for my operation. The staff explained things to me so well that it took away any anxiety that I may have had.”

Patients receive a diary to fill in each day to record their recovery and progress after surgery. 'By three weeks I already had most of my energy back and was back to doing normal everyday things.”

Penny's sister received bowel surgery before the introduction of ERAS, and according to Penny her sister's recovery was more painful and much slower.

'The colorectal surgeons here at Tauranga Hospital are very enthusiastic about the ERAS initiative and are committed to ensuring its success,” says Mark.

'We will continue to work hard to provide a high standard of care to Bay of Plenty residents.”