An elemental diet as preoperative preparation of the colon

In a study comparing patients prepared for colonic surgery with an elemental diet (Vivonex) with a control group there was no significant difference in incidence of wound infection or other complications between groups. Furthermore, there was no change in the population levels of the colonic microflora nor were the numbers of species decreased after 2-4 days on the diet. Although in most cases aiding in the mechanical preparation of the colon, the elemental diet has not been shown to confer any other advantage.