The impact of preoperative preparation on postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a frequently encountered disease. In most countries, it represents the second leading cause of cancer death. The treatment with radical intent of this condition is surgical. Objective: Through this study, we want to update some data regarding the impact of nutrition and the preoperative mechanical bowel preparation on postoperative complications, in patients who need surgical treatment for colorectal cancer. Material and Method: Relevant articles in the field, contained in international databases were analysed, with no language exclusion, including clinical trials and meta-analyses performed between 1994 and 2015. Conclusions: Preoperative preparation is particularly important in the postoperative evolution of the patients with colorectal cancer and it is based on several main principles: nutritional support, antimicrobial treatment and mechanical bowel preparation.

Keywords

• colorectal cancer
• preoperative preparation
• postoperative complications