Efficacy of mechanical bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol in prevention of postoperative complications in elective colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate efficacy of mechanical bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in prevention of postoperative complications in elective colorectal surgery.


METHODS
A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was done to identify randomized controlled trials involving comparison of postoperative complications after mechanical bowel preparation with PEG (PEG group) and no preparation (control group). A meta-analysis was set up to distinguish overall difference between the two groups.


RESULTS
A total of five randomized controlled trials was identified according to our inclusion criteria. The use of PEG for mechanical bowel preparation did not significantly reduce the rate of surgical site infection (SSI; odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.39 (0.85-2.25); P = 0.19) including incisional SSI (OR 95% CI, 1.44 (0.88-2.33); P = 0.15), organ/space SSI (OR 95% CI, 1.10 (0.43-2.78); P = 0.49), anastomotic leak (OR 95% CI,1.78 (0.95-3.33; P = 0.07), mortality (OR 95% CI, 1.24 (0.37-4.14; P = 0.73), infectious complications (OR 95% CI, 1.14 (0.62-2.08); P = 0.67), and hospital stay (weighted mean difference 95% CI, 2.17 (-2.90-7.25); P = 0.40) except main complications (OR 95% CI, 1.76 (1.09-2.85); P = 0.02), of which the rate increased significantly in the PEG group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of mechanical bowel preparation with PEG does not significantly lower postoperative complications in elective colorectal surgery.
Zhu
Qian D
QD
Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325003 Zhejiang, China. sinozqd@163.com
Zhang
Qi Y
QY
Zeng
Qi Q
QQ
Yu
Zheng P
ZP
Tao
Chong L
CL
Yang
Wen J
WJ
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011092:Polyethylene Glycols