Safety of Elective Colorectal Surgery Without Mechanical Bowel Preparation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The current practice of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before colorectal surgery is questionable. Mechanical bowel preparation is unpleasant for the patient, often distressful, and ially harmful. The results are often less than desired, increasing the risk of contamination.

Aim of the study: To see the safety of elective colorectal surgery without MBP, we prospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients who underwent resection and primary anastomosis of the colon and upper rectum. One surgeon performed all operations. Endpoints were wound infection, anastomotic failure, and death.

Patient and methods:

A prospective study of elective colorectal surgery without MBP in Al-Sader Medical City in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf included 76 patients who had undergone colorectal surgery without any mechanical preparation, cases Collected from 2008-2011

Results

The result of our study consists of 76 patients; 40 (52.6%) of them were males, while 36 (47.4%) were females. Left colonic surgery was 36 (47.4%) patients and right colonic surgery was 40 (52.6%) patients, wound infection was 22 (28.9%), anastomotic leakage was 6 (7.9%), Death 45.3%). There was no significant p-value for all results.

Conclusions: Mechanical Bowel Preparation is not mandatory for the safety of colorectal surgery.