Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants
11:32

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants

Published on: December 23, 2013

Polyethylene glycol versus sodium phosphate mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery

Kamal M F Itani1, Samuel E Wilson, Samir S Awad

  • 1VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Pkwy. (112), West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA. Kitani@med.va.gov

American Journal of Surgery
|January 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Sodium phosphate (SP) mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) may reduce surgical site infections (SSI) after colorectal surgery compared to polyethylene glycol (PEG) MBP. SP combined with ertapenem showed the lowest SSI rates.

Area of Science:

  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Surgical Site Infections
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • The optimal type of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) for elective colorectal surgery is debated.
  • Different MBPs may influence postoperative outcomes, including surgical site infections (SSI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) versus sodium phosphate (SP) MBPs on SSI rates.
  • To compare the efficacy of different MBP and antibiotic prophylaxis combinations.

Main Methods:

  • Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing ertapenem and cefotetan.
  • Assessment of SSI rates based on MBP type (PEG vs. SP).

Main Results:

  • Both PEG and SP MBPs achieved high quality in most patients.
  • A significantly higher SSI rate was observed with PEG (34%) compared to SP (24%).
  • The combination of SP and ertapenem resulted in the lowest SSI rate (19%).

Conclusions:

  • Sodium phosphate (SP) MBP may be associated with reduced SSI rates compared to PEG MBP.
  • The combination of SP MBP and ertapenem prophylaxis may improve surgical outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy06:28

E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy

Published on: August 1, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...