Reducing morbidity and complications after major head and neck cancer surgery: the (future) role of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the development and the benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in non-head and neck disciplines and to describe early implementation efforts in major head and neck surgeries. RECENT FINDINGS: Several groups have adopted ERAS protocols for major head and neck surgery and demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness. SUMMARY: There is growing evidence that clinical and financial outcomes for patients undergoing major head and neck surgery rehabilitation can be significantly improved by standardizing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative treatment protocols. Current experience is limited to single centers. A future goal is to broaden the adoption of ERAS in head and neck surgical oncology to include national and international collaboration, data sharing, and learning.