Work

The Implementation of the “Software-Based Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery” (ERACS) Protocol in Ankara University School of Medicine Heart Center

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) is a multidisciplinary strategy designed to optimize perioperative care, reduce complications, and shorten hospital length of stay. However, consistent implementation remains challenging due to variability in practice and the dynamic nature of postoperative recovery. In this manuscript, we describe the development and implementation of a software-supported ERACS platform that integrates protocol standardization with patient-specific personalization. The system prospectively captures and analyzes perioperative data, enabling continuous risk stratification and real-time adaptation of care pathways according to each patient's evolving clinical status. To our knowledge, this is the first report from Türkiye describing the software-based implementation of an ERACS program in cardiac surgery. Clinical outcome analysis is ongoing. This digital framework provides a scalable model for translating enhanced recovery principles into precision perioperative care.

Source: Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

DOI: 10.4274/tjtcs.2026.2026-3-1