Mr. N.L.B (53 years old) after a stroke paralyzed his left hemisphere, had difficulty communicating, and all activities depended on relatives. After 3 months of intensive rehabilitation, daily physical therapy, language therapy and psychological support, he was able to walk with a support tool, eat on his own and communicate at a basic level.
As for patient N.T.T (35 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) admitted to Military Hospital 175 with a leg injury after the accident, the patient underwent surgery because the right phagolide bone was broken. Currently, patient T. is gradually recovering after 6 months of exercise, this result is contributed greatly by the ERAS process (Enhanced recovery after surgery - Early recovery after surgery).
The ERAS program is gradually being applied in Vietnam and is considered an important step forward in modern medicine.
According to Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Phan Dinh Mung - Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175, the benefits of ERAS are very clear: patients recover faster, reduce complications, shorten hospital stay and save costs. With joint replacements, hospital stay can be shortened from 10.14 days to 4.5 days, he said.
The special feature of ERAS is the continuity in care: starting before surgery with consultation, breathing practice, and proper nutritional preparation; during surgery with less invasive techniques, body temperature control; and after surgery with effective pain relief, early exercise after only a few hours. These factors help patients not only recover quickly but also reduce the risk of infection, reduce the need for blood transfusion, and return to daily activities soon.
However, for ERAS to be put into practice is not simple. The biggest difficulty is changing the habit of eating deeply in the health system: from the concept of patients having to fast for a long time before surgery, to relying too much on post-operative drainage or limiting exercise. In addition, ERAS requires close coordination of many departments, from surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists to hospital leaders. If only one link is not synchronized, the efficiency will be significantly reduced.
Another barrier is resources. Not all medical facilities have enough personnel, equipment and conditions to deploy modern techniques or strictly control each stage during the treatment process. In addition, continuous training, coaching and supervision is also a challenge that requires time and determination.
However, initial results at hospitals such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the 108 Central Military and People's Army 115 show that ERAS is completely feasible and brings great benefits. To be successful, consensus, teamwork and perseverance from the entire system are needed. ERAS is a new approach, aiming at better safety and quality of life for patients, emphasized Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Phan Dinh Mung.
