The standard preoperative care of the surgical wards of 4 hospitals for patients undergoing abdominal (stomach and colon) and gynaecological (uterum) surgery has been described. Date collection included the comparative assessment of standard protocols and intervention, with nurses in charge of the preoperative care. Patients undergoing colon surgery may be prescribed an ash-free diet for 7-10 days or may eat normal meals till two days before the surgery. The same variability exists for the antimicrobial prophylaxis and its route of administration. Patients are not allowed to drink from the midnight before the surgery. Enemas administered the afternoon before the surgery may contain castor oil. A systematic review of preoperative care is warranted and guidelines for an evidence based practice should be provided in order to reduce the variability and improve the effectiveness of preoperative care.