Doctor Athanasios Kleontas in his clinical practice applies rapid recovery and mobilization protocols (fast track surgery or enhanced recovery after surgery - ERAS) to achieve:

• optimizing of all conditions preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively,
• minimizing of complications
• faster return to daily activities
• reducing duration of hospitalization

Some of the key elements of this methodology are:

• full patient information
• comprehensive preoperative assessment
• epidural analgesia or intercostal block
• optimization of fluid balance
• active prevention of hypothermia
• thoracoscopic or minimally invasive incision
• rapid removal of arterial and venous lines
• quick removal of urinary catheter
• immediate start of active physiotherapy and mobilization
• reducing administration of opioids
• deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis
• enhanced feeding

It is now confirmed by many clinical studies that when the patient is properly and in detail been informed about all treatment stages then he can obtain:

• reduced stress
• reduced postoperative pain
• quicker mobilization
• improved recovery