Use of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery in Denmark remains high.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that preoperative bowel preparation does not influence the frequency of postoperative complications after elective open colonic resections. The Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) recommends that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) should be omitted prior to elective colonic resections. Several surveys show that most surgeons use MBP before colorectal surgery. The aim of this survey was to investigate the use of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colonic and rectal resections in Denmark.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted in 2009. A questionnaire on the use of preoperative bowel preparation in elective colonic and rectal resections performed in 2008 was sent to all the departments of surgery that perform colorectal surgery in Denmark.

RESULTS: 34% of the patients received bowel preparation before open colonic resection compared with 81% before open rectal resection. Overall, the frequency of bowel preparation was significantly higher in laparoscopic (63%) than in open surgery (50%).

CONCLUSION: MBP before elective open colonic resections remains widely used despite the national DCCG guideline. MBP before laparoscopic colorectal resections was more frequently used than before open colorectal resections as MBP before rectal resections was more frequently used than before colonic resections. The need for preoperative bowel preparation in these procedures has yet to be determined.

FUNDING: not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.