ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Protocol in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Narrative Review

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty that involves the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies related to the oral cavity, mandible, jaws and facial structures. In recent years, the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) Protocol has been implemented in various surgical areas with the aim of optimizing postoperative recovery. Objective: To understand the impact of this approach on the patient experience and clinical outcomes.  Methodology: This narrative review was conducted through a systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The aim was to identify studies investigating the implementation of the ERAS Protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Results: The studies reviewed showed that the implementation of the ERAS Protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgery resulted in a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay, with patients being discharged in 1 to 2 days. In addition, pain control was improved, with a reduction in the use of opioids by up to 50%. The reduction in post-operative complications, such as infections and respiratory problems, was another benefit observed, with a reduction of up to 40% in these complications. Discussion: The adoption of the ERAS Protocol has shown promising results in the recovery of patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. The benefits include better pain management, early mobilization and lower complication rates. Conclusion: The ERAS Protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgery has the potential to transform surgical practice, promoting faster and more effective recovery. More studies are needed to standardize its implementation and evaluate its long-term effects.