Bowel preparation is an integral component of elective colorectal surgery. However, minimal data exist to support this practice. Evidence favoring and opposing bowel preparation is presented and reviewed. The role of oral and antibiotic therapy is similarly examined. Finally, the evolution of bowel preparation and modern methods of preparation are discussed.
Mechanical bowel preparation - antibiotic therapy - polyethylene glycol - sodium phosphate - anastomotic leakage - wound infection