Survey of pediatric surgeons on current practices of bowel preparation for elective colorectal surgery in children

Background Guidelines regarding bowel preparation exist for the adult but not the pediatric population. Our aim was to evaluate the bowel preparation practices, including antibiotic usage for elective colorectal operations in children. Methods A survey was designed and administered to a nationwide group of pediatric surgeons to ascertain current practices of bowel preparation. Results Four hundred ninety-three surveys were administered, and 136 physicians responded (28%). Mechanical bowel preparation was used by 96% of the respondents. Preoperative intravenous antibiotics were used by 99% of respondents. The number of years in practice did not significantly affect the use of oral antibiotics (P = .62) or the duration of intravenous antibiotics (P = .78). Conclusions There is a wide variation in bowel preparation practices in children. A prospective, randomized trial would be helpful to identify the role of oral antibiotics and optimal duration of intravenous antibiotics in this population.