Pre-op Bowel Prep Before Abdominal Surgery

Overview

Current management of elective bowel surgery typically involves performing a preoperative bowel preparation ("bowel prep") in many instances; however, this practice is not standardized at most institutions. Over the years, bowel preps have been used in an attempt to decrease the risk of complications associated with gastrointestinal surgery. However, there is limited adequate data to support this clinical management in the pediatric patient population. The investigator plans to perform a prospective, randomized study of our pediatric surgical patients who will undergo an elective bowel resection or ostomy closure to assess if a bowel prep prior to surgical intervention affects their postoperative course. The aim of this study is to evaluate for differences that may alter and improve future management.

At CMH, our current approach to preoperative management for elective intestinal surgery is not standardized amongst our Pediatric Surgical attendings. There are seven different attendings, each of whom individually dictates if a patient is to undergo a preoperative bowel prep, and if so, which bowel prep will be used. This is no different than the majority of practices across the US, including adult and pediatric patient populations. The aim of this study, therefore, is to standardize our current management and assess if the presence or absence of a preoperative bowel prep has an effect on post-operative outcomes. The goal is to evaluate the effect of the bowel preparation not the surgical procedure itself.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes