Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP)

Recovering from breast reconstruction surgery can be a challenging process. In 2018, Dr. Smith published the results of a protocol for breast reconstruction recovery to help speed the healing process and reduce pain and discomfort. The results demonstrated major reduction in the need for narcotics and time in the hospital.

This Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) is designed for women who undergo natural tissue reconstruction with the abdomen as a donor site and are recovering from the DIEP flap procedure.

By placing multiple long acting nerve blocks during reconstruction surgery, the ERP significantly reduces pain post-surgery. Coupled with new powerful non-narcotic medications, this dramatically decreases the need for opioid pain medication and avoids its many negative side effects, such as nausea, drowsiness, and constipation, that can significantly hinder a woman’s recovery after surgery. On average, women are able to leave the hospital on the second day after surgery, which allows them to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.

In addition to less pain and faster recovery times, the ERP also reduces the risk of exposure to dangerous hospital infections, decreases the potential for pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs), and minimizes the danger of developing a dependency on opioid medication.

Many women are surprised at the difference in their recovery on the ERP program when they compare it to what they hear from friends or relatives who have had similar surgeries elsewhere. The incredible impact of ERP is evidenced by the multiple speaking invitations [include link]Dr. Smith has received from around the world from surgeons looking to achieve similar results for their own patients.