The aim of the study is to investigate if postoperative coffee intake decreases the time until first bowel movement in elective colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis.

Postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery is a frequent problem which significantly prolongs hospital stay and increases perioperative costs. Postoperative therapeutic interventions vary significantly between different hospitals due to missing evidence-based guidelines. Coffee is a safe, cheap and simple agent without significant side effects which can positively influence the bowel function.

The aim of the investigators is to evaluate in an own study if coffee consumption has an influence on the duration of postoperative ileus.

The present trial is designed to evaluate if postoperative coffee intake decreases the time until first bowel movement in colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis. This study would be the second study which evaluates the described questions under randomized conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery due to benign or malignant colorectal disease, which need a large bowel resection with primary anastomosis

• Age equal or greater than 18 years
• Patients that are able to give informed consent
• Elective Surgery
• Anastomosis above 6 cm from anal verge

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participation in other studies
• Additional small bowel anastomosis
• Need for extended adhesiolysis
• Need for a stoma (e.g. protective ileostomy)
• Emergency operation with diffuse peritonitis or preexisting ileus
• Preoperative radiation
• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to coffee
• Expected lack of compliance
• Impaired mental state or language problems

Patients with elective colorectal surgery and primary anastomosis > 6cm above the anal verge without stoma formation