The Third Middle East International Conference for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS), hosted by the Sultanate for the first time, began today (Friday) at the Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Hosni, Undersecretary of Ministry of Health for Health Affairs.

The two-day Conference is organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Royal Hospital in cooperation with the Oman Medical Association, Oman Society of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Oman Surgical Society, Oman Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oman Orthopedic Society along with the Sultan Qaboos University, Armed Force Hospital and Oman Medical Specialty Board.

Dr. Maher Al-Bahrani, Senior Consultant of Anesthesia & Intensive Care and Head of the Organizing Committee of the Conference pointed out in his welcoming speech that the Conference aims to familiarize the medical staff in the Sultanate with the principles of ERAS and highlighting the medical and economic benefits in implementing these principles, which aims to raise the academic level of the doctors, nurses and medical staff before, during and after the surgeries. Dr. Al-Bahrani added, the Conference gives the participants the opportunities to exchange experiences with their counterparts, as well as reviewing the latest scientific and technical developments in this field.     

The inauguration ceremony included the launch of Enhanced Recovery Protocol after Caesarean Section in Oman. This Protocol (ERACS) consists of detailed guidelines that are utilized in promoting earlier recovery in Caesarean section procedures, taking into consideration reduced side effects that may be caused by related medication or due to increased length of stay. Obstetrics and anesthesia are some of the medical specialties that are related to implementing this guideline, while other specialties are considered supportive. The document starts with details explaining the procedures that need to be implemented prior to having the Caesarean section, which includes all equipment and medication and how they are used and in what doses. The document then explains the procedures during and after Caesarean section. Moreover, there are suggested formalities on how to assess the quality of these procedures in reducing complications, decreasing length of hospital stay, and reduction of medical costs and ultimately patient satisfaction.

Furthermore, the Conference includes an exhibition for a number of international companies specialized in surgery, anesthesia, physiotherapy, nutrition and others.

During two-day, the Conference covers important issues related to the ERAS including towards a new socio-technical model for ERAS, the philosophy of ERAS, experience of UK and Turkey in implementation of ERAS, the role of surgeons, the future challenges of ERAS, the role of the ERAS in many medical fields such as gynecological surgery, spinal surgery, cesarean section, oncological surgery, colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery and others.

The Conference aims at introducing the ERAS concept within the health system in Oman, discussing the implementation of the guidelines of enhanced recovery after surgery in all surgery specializations, as well as familiarizing the participants with the latest development on the enhanced recovery after surgery and enhancing their knowledge and experiences.        

Around (400) doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and medical staff from various health institutions in the Sultanate and abroad are attending the Conference. Experts from Arab countries, Europe, Iran, USA and Turkey are lecturing during the Conference.