ERACS Delivery: A New Method Focusing on Rapid Recovery and Minimal Pain 

Medically reviewed by
dr. Muhammad Ardianto Airlangga, SpOG

In the medical world, cesarean sections have become a primary solution for women who cannot undergo normal delivery. However, innovations in surgical techniques have given rise to a new method known as ERACS. This method brings renewed hope for mothers seeking quicker recovery and reduced pain after a cesarean section. So, what is ERACS, and how does this method differ from traditional cesarean delivery? 

What is ERACS? 

ERACS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery. It is a medical protocol aimed at accelerating postoperative recovery and minimizing complications, particularly in terms of pain and physical recovery. The ERACS method combines various interventions before, during, and after the cesarean operation to enhance the overall patient experience. 

ERACS Surgery: What Makes it Different? 

In conventional cesarean sections, patients typically require longer recovery times due to the effects of anesthesia, surgical techniques, and intense postoperative pain. However, ERACS aims to mitigate these issues through a more structured and effective approach. The ERACS protocol includes optimized pre-operative preparation, gentler surgical techniques, and better pain management. 

ERACS surgery significantly reduces postoperative pain through the use of local anesthesia and less sedative analgesics. Moreover, this method minimizes the use of opioids, which are commonly employed for managing postoperative pain following a cesarean delivery. Faster recovery and earlier mobilization are key benefits of this approach. 

Steps in the ERACS Method 

The ERACS method includes several critical steps from preparation to postoperative care: 

1. Pre-Operative Preparation: Before surgery, patients receive education about the surgical process and recovery steps. The goal is to alleviate anxiety and mentally prepare patients for the procedure. Additionally, patients are encouraged to consume light meals several hours before surgery to prevent excessive fatigue post-procedure. 
2. Anesthesia Management: The ERACS cesarean delivery utilizes regional anesthesia techniques (usually spinal or epidural), which are safer and minimize the risk of side effects. Unlike general anesthesia, regional anesthesia allows patients to remain conscious during the procedure and recover more quickly afterward. 
3. Minimally Invasive Surgical Process: During this surgery, surgeons employ gentler, less invasive techniques to minimize trauma to bodily tissues. This approach can reduce bleeding and expedite the healing process of the surgical wound. 
4. Postoperative Pain Management: An essential element of ERACS is effective pain management. ERACS cesarean deliveries utilize a combination of non-opioid analgesics, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, which are safer and reduce the risk of addiction. Patients are also encouraged to mobilize earlier after surgery, which can hasten recovery. 
5. Early Mobilization: Early mobilization is a crucial part of the ERACS protocol. Patients are typically encouraged to start moving within 2 hours after surgery, helping to prevent complications such as blood clots and speeding up wound healing. 

Benefits of ERACS for Mothers and Babies 

ERACS cesarean delivery offers numerous benefits for both mothers and their babies. Here are some of the main advantages of this method: 

• Faster Recovery: With a more structured and pain-minimized approach, mothers can get out of bed and start moving more quickly. This is vital for accelerating healing and preventing complications such as infections or blood clots. 
• Better Pain Control: Improved pain management allows mothers to feel more comfortable during recovery, and the use of milder analgesics reduces the risk of side effects like nausea and excessive drowsiness. 
• Reduction in Opioid Use: One of the most significant concerns in postoperative pain management is the risk of opioid addiction. The ERACS protocol reduces opioid usage and substitutes it with an effective combination of non-opioid analgesics. 
• Quicker Discharge: Due to faster recovery, mothers who undergo ERACS surgery can be discharged from the hospital earlier compared to those who have conventional cesarean deliveries. This allows them to reunite with their families in a more comfortable environment sooner. 

Challenges and Risks of ERACS 

Despite its many benefits, ERACS cesarean delivery still presents challenges and risks. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, bleeding, or anesthesia complications. However, with proper preparation and effective risk management, this method has proven to be safe and effective for most women. 

Additionally, ERACS not only positively impacts mothers but also benefits babies. Infants can spend more time with their mothers after delivery because mothers feel more comfortable and are able to move more quickly. 

The ERACS method is an innovation in cesarean delivery that emphasizes rapid recovery, better pain management, and reduced risk of complications. With a holistic approach addressing both medical and emotional aspects, ERACS provides a more comfortable and less stressful delivery experience. If you are considering a cesarean delivery, consult with your physician to determine if ERACS is the right choice for you. 

This method not only promises faster recovery but also gives mothers the opportunity to immediately cherish precious moments with their babies without being burdened by prolonged pain. 

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References: 

• University of Maryland Medical Center. Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Surgery (ERACS). Accessed September 30, 2024. 
• WebMD. What Happens During a C-Section. Accessed September 30, 2024. 
• Arad, O. ERAS Protocol for Cesarean Delivery. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2018. Accessed September 30, 2024. 
• Interior Health. Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Section (ERACS). Accessed September 30, 2024. 
• Pacheco, L. D. Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Delivery. ScienceDirect, 2021. Accessed September 30, 2024.