Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols in Liver Transplant Recipients—Challenges and Strategies for Implementation: A Review Article

Abstract

Background: Implementing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols has revolutionized perioperative care across surgical specialties, significantly improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The sheer complexity of liver transplantation makes it one of the most challenging surgical cases, technically as well as logistically. The use of ERAS protocols in liver recipients has been scarce, with significant interinstitutional variability. Methodology: We conducted PubMed searches to find relevant articles. We considered review articles, clinical trials, observational studies, and case-control studies. Results: ERAS in liver transplant surgery aims to optimize recovery, improve outcomes, and reduce the physiological impact of surgery through evidence-based practices. Each liver transplant case is unique, and ERAS protocols must be customized based on the patient’s underlying condition, donor characteristics, and surgical specifics.