Enhanced recovery is a new way to improve the experience and wellbeing of people who need major surgery. It helps them recover sooner so that life can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Having an operation can be stressful, both physically and emotionally. Enhanced recovery programmes aim to get you back to full health quickly.

Research shows the earlier you get out of bed and start walking, eating and drinking after your operation, the better.

Enhanced recovery can be appropriate for people who need certain colorectal, gynaecological, urological and orthopaedic surgical procedures, such as a total hip and knee replacement (see the list below).

How does it work?

In enhanced recovery, patients are involved in their own care. They choose what is best for them throughout their treatment with help and advice from their GP and healthcare team.

It is essential that:

• Patients are in the best possible condition for surgery. Your GP will identify and stabilise any conditions you have that may affect the operation. At this stage, your GP will ensure you understand all the treatment options, so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with surgery.
• Patients have the best possible care during and after the operation. Your overall experience is improved due to high-quality care and, where possible, high-quality services, such as keyhole surgery.
• Patients experience the best rehabilitation after surgery. This means improved access to rehabilitation services, such as physiotherapy, enabling early recovery and prompt discharge from hospital as well as a quicker return to normal life.

Depending on your operation, you could go home sooner than traditionally expected. Therefore, it is important to plan and prepare for your return home before you go into hospital. 

You will be part of a team that works to get you better, prevent any complications and get you home as soon as possible.

How do I get on an enhanced recovery programme?

Speak to your GP. They can give you advice about whether enhanced recovery is suitable for you. Not all hospitals offer enhanced recovery programmes, but the number of hospitals that do is growing all the time.