The Role of Enhanced Recovery Pathways in the Setting of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERP), also called fast-track pathways, are evidenced-based pathways designed to standardize medical care, improve outcomes, and lower health care costs. ERPs for colorectal surgery patients were introduced in 2000 as a multimodal rehabilitation program to reduce physiological stress and postoperative organ dysfunction through optimization of perioperative care and recovery. This article will review the role of ERPs in the setting of minimally invasive colorectal surgery.