What Is Included in Pediatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols and How to Encourage Adoption: A Systematic Review of the Literature

J Am Coll Surg. 2026 Jul 1;243(1):216-234. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001923. Epub 2026 Jun 12.

Abstract

The present systematic review is the first to describe and analyze the breadth of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) elements across various pediatric surgery procedures. The aim of the article is to provide a compendium of ERAS elements that are used in pediatric protocols to identify both gaps and variation. In response to these findings, we then propose a methodology for addressing the gaps and variation we found and furthering the use of ERAS in pediatric surgery.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Enhanced Recovery After Surgery*
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics*