Preadmission processes may improve length of stay for colorectal surgery.

Background: The preadmission process (PAP) is known to reduce length of stay prior to surgery, but there are few data on its effects on postoperative stay. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that a PAP may reduce postoperative length of stay as well as the preoperative length of stay.

Methods: An audit of admission and discharge times for patients having major colorectal surgery was undertaken to determine the impact of the preadmission process at Dandenong Hospital.