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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2013; 26(03): 146-152
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351129
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Bowel Preparation before Elective Surgery

Anjali S. Kumar
1   Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
2   Department of Surgery, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Deirdre C. Kelleher
1   Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
3   Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
,
Gavin W. Sigle
1   Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 August 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Mechanical bowel preps were initially thought to decrease the bacterial load of the colon and therefore decrease infection. Traditional bowel preps include osmotic, laxative, and combination regimen. Data demonstrate that mechanical bowel preps are generally equivalent; however, the addition of oral antibiotics may further reduce the risk of infection. Recent data suggest that mechanical bowel preparations may not be necessary, and that dietary restrictions before surgery may also be obsolete. In this review, the authors address the types of mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs), differences in outcomes between MBPs, the role of oral antibiosis and enemas, the benefits of no MBP, and dietary preparations for elective colon and rectal surgery.

Keywords

mechanical bowel preparation - elective colorectal resection - oral antibiosis