Enhanced Recovery in Urology Surgery

The Enhanced Recovery Programme in Urology surgery started in September 2015 focusing on patients undergoing Cystectomy and ileal conduit surgery. The pathway was updated in April 2017 to incorporate new care information and guidance for the clinical teams looking after these patients.

Patient information leaflets have been adapted to suit the needs of patients undergoing Cystectomy and ileal conduit surgery, and the principles of enhanced recovery are included to ensure that patients are aware of their role in their postoperative recovery, including what to expect after the operation.

Patients are encouraged to complete a diary in the days after surgery, so that they can monitor their progress and recovery in line with the enhanced recovery principles of early mobilisation and early nutrition.

Postoperative care pathway

The postoperative care pathway is used to standardise the nursing and medical documentation and to achieve a high quality of postoperative care.

The postoperative pathway details all aspects of multi-professional care, and sets targets for the patient to achieve on each postoperative day, up until discharge from hospital.

Discharge from hospital is based on certain criteria, of which both the patient and the multi-professional team are aware; once these criteria are met, the patient is deemed safe to be discharged from hospital

The post-operative goals include early enhanced nutrition using nutritional supplement drinks, a structured mobility plan from the day after surgery until discharge from hospital and daily teaching on the care of the patient's ileal conduit with the aim of independence.

We are currently reviewing our Urology Enhanced Recovery Programme to include Cystectomy and Neobladder Surgery in line with recent research and evidence so that it continues to meet the needs of our patients.