ERACS: Delivery Method for Faster Postoperative Recovery

During the birthing process, the length of recovery time is one of the considerations for pregnant women in preparing for the birth of their baby. In the process of giving birth via cesarean section, recovery is generally relatively longer than normal delivery. However, now the recovery process for cesarean delivery can take place more quickly with the Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Section (ERACS) method, such as the birth experienced by Chelsey Frank, wife of Randy Pangalila, when she gave birth to her second child on Wednesday, June 21 2023 at EMC Hospital Sentul.

What is ERACS method? Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Section ( ERACS ) is a concept for preparing patients before, during and after surgery for women undergoing cesarean section. The main goal of ERACS is for patients to be able to mobilize more quickly, thereby facilitating the recovery process, reducing complications, speeding up the breastfeeding process more quickly in a more optimal position, thereby providing a positive experience for the mother and baby as a whole. ERACS is based on evidence-based practice and a multi-disciplinary approach involving obstetricians, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, other health service providers and of course the support of the patient's family.

ERACS methods generally include:

  1. Preparation before surgery
    Optimizing the patient's health before a caesarean section with proper nutrition, adequate fluids, education about the surgical process that will be carried out and administration of medication before surgery.

  2. During operation
    The anesthetist will provide a drug regimen with optimal anesthetic injection techniques and also administer drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting during surgery and multi-modality pain management to manage pain effectively while minimizing the use of opioid pain medications.

    The obstetrician will carry out optimal and effective surgical techniques so that the operation does not take too long and the patient remains comfortable during the operation.

    The obstetrician will also perform Delayed Cord Clamping when cutting the umbilical cord.

    The pediatrician will assess and provide first aid when the baby is born. If the baby is in good condition, the pediatrician will initiate Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD)

  3. After operation
    The patient will be monitored in the recovery room, then the nurse will help to begin gradual mobilization, provide fluids and encourage the patient to start chewing candy to reduce complaints of nausea and vomiting.

    In the ward, nurses will provide education on post-operative care, pain management techniques, and provide support during the recovery process.

By implementing these evidence-based practices, ERACS is expected to speed up recovery times and shorten hospital stays. It is important to know that ERACS protocols may vary between healthcare facilities and may continue to evolve as more research is conducted in this area. Therefore, if you are planning to give birth to meet your baby, EMC Sentul Hospital is ready to help you with our professional doctors and health workers in helping you to recover more quickly after a cesarean section delivery using the ERACS method.

To consult further regarding the condition of your womb, you can consult further with the Obstetrician-Gynecologist , Dr. Ruswantriani, Sp.OG at EMC Sentul Hospital.