Preoperative mechanical bowel preparation does not offer a benefit for patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background. Mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) are commonly adminsitered preoperatively to patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), however, their effectiveness over a clear liquid diet (CLD) preparation remains unclear The aim of this study was to determine whether MBP offers an advantage to patients who undergo PD. Methods. In this retrospective review, we analyzed the clinical data from 100 consecutive PDs performed on patients who received preoperative AMP from March 2006 to April 2007, and we compared them with 100 consecutive patients who received a preoperative CL!) from May 2007 to March 2008. Results. No differences were observed between the MBP and CLD groups in the rates of pancreatic fistula (13% vs 14%, P = 10), intra-abdominal abscess (11% vs 13%, P = 83), or wound infixt ion (9% vs 8%, P = 1.0). Trends toward increased urinary tract infections (13% vs .5%; P < .08) and Clostridium difficile infections were found in the MBP group (6% vs 1%; P =.12). The median duration of postoperative hospital slay was 7 days in each group, and the 12-month survival rates were equivalent (74% vs 75%; P = 1.0) Conclusion. There is no clinical benefit to the administration of a preoperative MBP for patients undergoing PD (Surgery 2010,148.278-84)