The Ideal Bowel Prep

The debate regarding optimal preparation of the patient for elective colon surgery spans numerous surgical generations. Mechanical bowel preparation prior to elective colorectal surgery has the observational benefit in reducing anastomotic leakage and infectious complications. Several newer studies have now questioned the need for any kind of mechanical bowel preparation and have certainly challenged these previous notions. Therefore, this article will evaluate the evidence and attempt to identify the ideal bowel prep and evaluate the role, if any, of reducing the incidence of anastomotic leak and surgical site infections.