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Operations on the colon without preoperative oral antibiotic therapy
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Mechanical bowel preparation with parenteral antibiotics is sufficient for elective colon surgery. This study suggests preoperative oral antibiotics may not be necessary, simplifying patient preparation and potentially reducing complications.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Preparation
- Infectious Complications
Background:
- Intestinal preparation before colonic resection is debated.
- Antibiotic advancements have led to varied preoperative strategies.
- Reducing infectious complications is a key goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mechanical bowel preparation with parenteral antibiotics.
- To determine if oral antibiotics are essential for elective colon surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 100 consecutive colon operations by a single surgeon.
- Preparation included cathartics, enemas, liquid diet, and perioperative parenteral antibiotics.
- Open, two-layer anastomoses with nonabsorbable sutures were used.
Main Results:
- No operative deaths, anastomotic leaks, or intra-abdominal abscesses occurred.
- Six cases of wound infection were reported.
- Outcomes compared favorably to studies using oral antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical bowel preparation combined with perioperative parenteral antibiotics is adequate for elective colon resection.
- Preoperative oral antibiotic therapy may not be necessary.
- This approach simplifies preparation and yields favorable results.