title: The use of antibiotics in surgical treatment of the colon.
abstract: The judicious use of antibiotics seems to be indicated in operations upon the colon, although these procedures were performed with similar morbidity rates in the 1930's without the use of antibiotics. The results of recent studies indicate that systemic antibiotics administered preoperatively and for a short perioperative interval is the preferred method of treatment because it has little effect on intestinal colonization. Surgical principles have not materially changed over the years and antibiotics are not indicated merely to cover breaks in the operative technique. One must always be cautious of possible untoward reactions and complications. This may be another example of the principle--less is more.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Menaker
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D011292:Premedication; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013449:Sulfonamides