The French Society of Digestive Surgery conducted a survey among its members to assess whether or not the routine practice of gastrointestinal surgery is evidence based. The questionnaire included 13 questions focusing on several aspects of gastrointestinal surgery and for which strong evidence exists. The participants (n = 379) were asked to respond according to their usual practice. The response rate was 75%. Only 57% +/- 15% of the responses were in accordance with the evidence. That rate of evidence-based responses did not differ according to the age of participants but was higher at university hospitals (P = 0.05).