Is patient outcome affected by the administration of intravenous fluid during bowel preparation for colonic surgery?
INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that Picolax bowel preparation causes a significant dehydrating effect, which can be minimised by administering a calculated volume of intravenous fluid. The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether peri-operative outcome is affected by administering a calculated volume of intravenous fluid during bowel preparation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients having bowel preparation (Picolax: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Middlesex, UK) prior to colonic surgery were prospectively randomised to receive no intravenous fluid (group 1) or calculated intravenous crystalloid based on their body weight (group 2), during preparation. In both groups, transfusion was protocol-driven. Outcome variables measured included intra-operative and postoperative intravenous fluid requirement, hourly recorded urine output for 24 h, number of patients transfused, number of units of blood transfused, time to the passage of flatus, time to having their bowels open, time un
