Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie
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Three strategies are used to prevent complications in colorectal surgery: heparin and antibiotics given perioperatively and abdominal drains placed intraoperatively. To investigate the appropriate and inappropriate use of these prophylactic techniques and to assess the costs associated with their inappropriate use, we studied patients who underwent elective colorectal procedures. ⋯ We observed considerable inappropriate use of heparin, antibiotic and drain prophylaxis. Considering the number of elective colorectal procedures performed annually, these inappropriately used strategies represent a substantial cost to the health care system. Improved education of surgeons and residents is needed to change to evidence-based practice habits.