Book excerpt: This volume presents a comprehensive, up to date and practical approach to creating an ERAS program for GI surgery. The first sections review the evidence underlying individual elements of ERAS, including evidence from laparoscopic procedures when available or pointing to evidence gaps where more research is required. These are written by experts in the field, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapists. The format is in the style of a narrative review, with narrative evidence review, and concluding with a table with “take home messages” and 3-5 key references for readers interested in more depth in each topic. Each chapter also addresses management of common complications and patient selection or exceptions. Subsequent chapters address practical concerns, including creation of a pathway team, project management and engaging administration. Experts contribute real-world examples of their pathways for a variety of procedures, including colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery, upper GI and hepatobiliary surgery, enabling the user to have a starting point for creating their own programs. The SAGES Manual of Enhanced Recovery Programs for Gastrointestinal Surgery will be of great value to fully trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and administrators interested in initiating an ERAS program.