Gynecologic Surgery Resource for Providers and Leaders

Based on surgical best practices, this clinical resource for gynecologic surgeries provides guidance on all stages of the patient’s journey, from pre-admission to post discharge. It supports a multidisciplinary team approach and can be used by providers across the continuum of surgical care.

If implemented consistently, these strategies improve patient experience and reduce length of stay, complication rates and hospital readmissions – all valuable outcomes at a time when healthcare systems are under serious pressure.

Download the pathway

This resource also includes a template for physician orders as well as a data collection and measurement resource.

A complementary set of resources for patients undergoing gynecologic surgery is also available.

What does the gynecologic surgery resource cover?

Based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) surgical best practices that put the quadruple aim within reach, the ERC gynecologic clinical pathway is built on six core pillars:

1. patient and family engagement
2. nutrition management
3. fluid and hydration management
4. early mobility and physical activity
5. surgical best practices
6. pain management with fewer narcotics (multi-modal opioid-sparing analgesia)

Who can use this gynecologic surgery resource?

This clinical pathway has been developed for surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, other providers involved in the delivery of care of patients undergoing routine elective surgery, and healthcare leaders.

The purpose of this clinical pathway is to offer healthcare providers in Canada with evidence-informed strategies to improve surgical outcomes in gynecologic patients.

The pathway applies to adult patients undergoing scheduled benign or malignant gynecology surgery performed with either open or minimally invasive routes (vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic).

How was this gynecologic surgery resource developed?

This clinical pathway was developed by a diverse group of experts from various healthcare fields and patients from across the country. A patient and family engagement working group developed the patient resources complementary to the clinical pathway, ensuring the patient perspective was integrated and prioritized throughout.

Learn more about Enhanced Recovery Canada and its clinical resources for healthcare providers and leaders.

Has this gynecologic surgery resource been endorsed?

The ERC Clinical Pathway for Gynecologic Surgery has been endorsed by the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence, The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada and The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.

What additional resources are available?

• A Guide to Patient Safety Improvement is an implementation resource that can support healthcare providers using enhanced recovery guidance.
• Learn more about Enhanced Recovery Canada and the ERAS principles.