4th ERAS Asia-Pacific International Congress “Improving Patient Care Through ERAS in Asia-Pacific”

The 4th ERAS Asia-Pacific Congress held in Manila on November 14-15, 2024, was a landmark event in the realm of surgical care in the region, highlighting the significance of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Co-presented by The Medical City (TMC), the congress brought together over 270 healthcare professionals from 11 countries to delve into cutting-edge advancements in ERAS. This biennial congress underscored the growing international interest in optimizing surgical outcomes and recovery, especially with the leadership of TMC as the ERAS^®Center of Excellence in the Philippines and a key driver in promoting ERAS standards across various surgical disciplines.

(From left to right; Dr. Alexandra Nina Odi (Congress Co-chair,) Dr. Eugene Ramos, (Past Group CEO and President of The Medical City), Dr. Gerardo Legaspi (Director of UP-PGH), Dr. Marianna Ramona Sioson (Congress Overall Chair)

The event featured insightful discussions on:

Optimizing Preoperative Care: Experts discussed strategies to better prepare patients before surgery, including nutritional interventions, psychological support, and medication management.
Minimizing Intraoperative Stress: There were key presentations on strategies to reduce surgical trauma and streamline procedures, ensuring smoother surgeries and reduced complications.
Accelerating Postoperative Recovery: Evidence-based methods were presented to enhance recovery post-surgery, focusing on minimizing pain, reducing recovery times, and preventing common postoperative complications.
Implementing ERAS in Diverse Settings: One of the major themes of the congress was overcoming the challenges of applying ERAS protocols in varied healthcare environments. Experts shared best practices and solutions for adapting ERAS to resource-limited settings and diverse healthcare systems.

(From left to right: Shukri Jahit (Malaysia), Shu Lin Guo (ERAS® Taiwan), How Kwang Yeong (ERAS® Society International), Kyoichi Takaori (ERAS® Japan), Kylie Sandy-Hodgetts (Australia), Marianna Ramona Sioson (TMC POM-ERAS & ERAS® Philippines), Cristine Obra (UK), Dr. Medhat Shalabi (PAME-ERAS)

Additionally, the congress emphasized the importance of data-driven quality improvement. By systematically collecting and analyzing patient data, healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement within their practices and fine-tune ERAS protocols to consistently achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Beyond advancing surgical care, the 4th ERAS Asia-Pacific Congress also demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility. This was exemplified by support for the Adopt-A-Patient Program of the Akbay Ginhawa Foundation Inc., which helps provide care for patients in need. Through this initiative, the congress reinforced its dedication not only to advancing healthcare but also to ensuring that those who are less fortunate receive the support they require.

Looking ahead, the 5th ERAS Asia-Pacific Congress was announced by How Kwang Yeong, executive member of the ERAS^® Society, and is set to be held in Singapore in 2026. As the ERAS movement continues to gain momentum, it is clear that this innovative, multidisciplinary approach will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of surgical care. By improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare, ERAS is poised to become a cornerstone of modern medical practices across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

4^th ERAS ASIA-PACIFIC 2024 CONGRESS WORKING COMMITTEES

Marianna Ramona Sioson, MD

Overall Chair

Alexandra Nina Odi, MD

Co-chair

Scientific Programme

Marianna Ramona Sioson, MD. Alexandra Nina Odi, MD. Florianne España, MD. Zarinah Gonzaga, MD. How Kwang Yeong (International Adviser). Angela Felice Sioson (Assistant)

Abstract Presentations

Nathalia Montemayor, MD. Zarinah Gonzaga, MD. Carla Sibug, RN

Ways and Means

Marie Dione Sacdalan, MD. Maria Dolma Gudez-Santos, MD. Marianna Ramona Sioson, MD

Physical Arrangement

Carlo Cajucom, MD. Angelo Leaño, MD. Nadja Trinchera (Yellow Bird Tours)

Registration and Housing Bureau

Marie Jaymee Sanchez, RN. Kate Camille Lacap, RN. Nadja Trinchera (Yellow Bird Tours)

Socials

Maria Christina Reyes, MD. Caroline Hernandez, RND. Pauline Vizcarra, RND

Publicity and Microsite

Marinela Aya Narciso (TMC Marketing)