[Optimal preparation of the colon for elective surgery. A personal proposal]

Positive results of modern elective colon surgery are founded not only on a correct anatomo-surgical technique, but also on antibiotic prophylaxis and on the best possible "preparation" both mechanical and microbiological to surgery of colon. Also if in recent literature the opportunity of the last kind of preparation is controversial, here are considered principles and the various most modern related available methods. As regards the mechanical preparation, the most useful dietetic directives, a correct and safely employ of laxative, and also orthograde and retrograde use of physiologic and hyperosmotic solutions of bowel lavage are here considered. As regards the microbiological drainage of colon, criteria of choice between various available antibiotics and plans of their employ, mainly in a prophylactic use, are here recorded. At the end is offered the personal proposal of colon preparation, founded on a synthesis of preliminary mechanical endoscopic colon dressing with a preoperative microbiological drainage, following the most modern principles of antibiotic prophylaxis of colon surgery complications.