[Dietetic and antibiotic preparation in surgery of the large intestine]

Besides patient's cardiac, pulmonary, renal and hepatic status, a correct operative technique and mechanical bowel cleansing the protein status is of central importance to prevent anastomotic leakage and wound infection in colon surgery. Using an oral elemental diet prior to surgery both sufficient caloric and protein intake and reduction of intestinal flora can be achieved. Wound infection and anastomotic leakage are reduced significantly without the side effects of antibiotic bowel preparation. If oral antibiotics are used preoperatively only a short term low dose regimen is effective for the control of infection after colon surgery which reduces the concentration of aerobes and anaerobes.