&NA;The value of preoperative nutritional assessment in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality is controversial. To evaluate the predictive value of preoperative nutritional status, the courses of 100 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal operations were studied prospectively. Subnormal findings for triceps‐skin‐fold thickness (TSF) and percentage of ideal body weight were associated with a significantly higher complication rate, but occurred so infrequently in our patients that the routine use of these tests is not recommended. Subnormal values for commonly obtained nutritional variables may not justify delay of operation for nutritional repletion.