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

BackgroundMechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) are commonly administered 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.MethodsIn this retrospective review, we analyzed the clinical data from 100 consecutive PDs performed on patients who received preoperative MBP from March 2006 to April 2007, and we compared them with 100 consecutive patients who received a preoperative CLD from May 2007 to March 2008.ResultsNo differences were observed between the MBP and CLD groups in the rates of pancreatic fistula (13% vs 14%; P = 1.0), intra-abdominal abscess (11% vs 13%; P = .83), or wound infection (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 stay was 7 days in each group, and the 12-month survival rates were equivalent (74% vs 75%; P = 1.0).ConclusionThere is no clinical benefit to the administration of a preoperative MBP for patients undergoing PD.