Optimizing Quality of Recovery in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Nursing-Led Enhanced Recovery Approach

Abstract

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) surgery, primarily spinal fusion, is a major procedure with potential for significant postoperative pain and complications. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, initially developed for adult surgery, are increasingly applied in pediatric settings to optimize outcomes and accelerate recovery. This review article explores the current evidence on optimizing the quality of recovery in AIS surgery through a nursing-led ERAS approach. It details the specific components of ERAS across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, highlighting critical nursing interventions such as comprehensive patient education, multimodal pain management, and early mobilization. The implementation of nursing-led ERAS in AIS surgery has demonstrated significant benefits, including reduced length of hospital stay, decreased opioid consumption, improved pain control, lower complication rates, and enhanced patient satisfaction. This review article concludes by emphasizing the pivotal role of nurses in ERAS success and suggests future directions for research, including standardization of protocols, long-term outcome evaluation, and integration of patient-reported outcomes and technology.