Multimodal approach in colorrectal surgery without mechanical bowel cleansing.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes after the implementation of a multimodal protocol (ACERTO protocol) with patients undergoing colorectal operations.

Methods: Fifty-three patients (37 M and 16 F; 57 [18-82] years old) submitted to various colorectal operations were prospectively studied in two different periods of time: from January 2004 through July 2005 (n=25, conventional group) and from August 2005 through June 2008 (n=28; ACERTO group). The patients received either the traditional perioperative management (including mechanical bowel cleansing) or a multidisciplinary protocol of perioperative care (without mechanical bowel cleansing) established by the ACERTO protocol.