ERAS protocols show promise for orthognathic surgery recovery

A narrative review examined Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. These protocols include multimodal pain management, hemorrhage control, nausea prevention, airway care, steroid use, and fluid management. The review looked at outcomes like opioid use, hospital stay length, and overall recovery. Results suggest ERAS can reduce opioid consumption, shorten hospital stays, and improve recovery. No safety concerns or adverse events were reported in this review. However, the study has important limitations. There is no single standardized ERAS protocol universally adopted for this surgery yet. The authors note that further research and a unified protocol with specific anesthesia guidelines are needed. This review provides insights into applying ERAS in orthognathic surgery and offers guidance for clinical practice. Readers should understand that while these protocols show promise, more work is required to standardize their use. This information helps clinicians consider options for improving patient outcomes in this specific surgical area.