The development of autologous breast reconstruction and the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): a narrative review

Background and Objective: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), or fast-track surgery, was first described almost 20 years ago as a peri- and postoperative care concept that aims to achieve a pain- and risk-free operation. Since then, many surgical specialties have embraced the concept, and it is widely accepted that enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) can be superior to conventional care for a wide range of surgical procedures, including microsurgical reconstructive procedures. However, many published ERAS protocols are complex and difficult to apply.