If you’ve ever had surgery, you know that preparation is the easy part — recovery is the real challenge. Advancements in surgical care emphasize this reality, showing that success depends on more than just a skilled surgical team, sterile equipment and quality medical care. A patient’s physical readiness plays a crucial role in ensuring a smoother and faster recovery.
Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center Orthopedics is implementing strategies to optimize patients’ physical health before surgery, following Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. These evidence-based approaches minimize the body’s stress response to surgery and involve collaboration among surgical, anesthesia and nutrition specialists.
“Providing top-quality care in total joint replacement is our top priority,” said Dr. Richard Topping, orthopedic surgeon, Davis Medical Center, and founder of Tygart Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “ERAS protocol is patient-centered and designed to get them back to normal life faster. That process starts before surgery.”
Patients undergoing total knee or hip replacements at Davis Medical Center will see changes in preoperative care to reflect ERAS protocol.
“We aim to prevent patients from becoming energy-depleted or dehydrated before surgery,” said Dr. Thomas Clough, Director of Anesthesiology, Davis Medical Center. “Many patients will be allowed a shortened fasting period, permitting a light snack up to eight hours before surgery and clear liquids such as electrolyte drinks, juice, soda and tea up to three hours prior. Some patients, particularly those who are frail or have nutritional deficiencies, may receive a special carbohydrate-loading drink to optimize liver glycogen stores. Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and most will benefit from reduced fasting times.”
Nutrition plays a key role in enhanced recovery, according to Sonya Phares-Weiford, RDN, LD, a clinical dietitian for acute care and outpatient services at Davis Medical Center.
“It’s important to identify patients with poor nutritional status before surgery because the body relies on its own energy reserves for healing,” Phares-Weiford said. “Many patients are mildly malnourished before surgery or experience nausea afterward, making it difficult to eat. Ensuring adequate nutrition before surgery helps minimize muscle breakdown caused by temporary, stress-induced insulin resistance.”
Patients can expect a “therapeutic first meal” after surgery, designed to provide key nutrients including liquids, electrolytes and protein, in an easy-to-tolerate form. Complimentary whey protein powder samples will also be available for use in homemade shakes. Educational materials will include practical dietary tips for before and after surgery, and patients at risk for malnutrition will receive individualized counseling with a registered dietitian.
Undergoing total joint replacement is a life-changing decision and a journey that extends beyond hospital discharge. Davis Medical Center Orthopedics has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for compliance with national health care quality and safety standards. The team includes Davis Medical Center board-certified surgeons Dr. Richard Topping, Dr. Walter Boardwine and Dr. Lucas Pavlovich, who together have more than 100 years of combined experience.
For more information about orthopedic surgery at Davis Medical Center, visit www.DavisHealthSystem.org/Medical-Services/Surgery/Orthopedic-Surgery.
