title: Preoperative bowel preparation for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery: a clinical practice guideline endorsed by the Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite evidence that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) does not reduce the rate of postoperative complications, many surgeons still use MBP before surgery. We sought to appraise and synthesize the available evidence regarding preoperative bowel preparation in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients who received a bowel preparation with those who did not. Two authors reviewed the abstracts to identify articles for critical appraisal. We used the methods of the United States Preventive Services Task Force to grade study quality and level of evidence, as well as formulate the final recommendations. Outcomes assessed included postoperative infectious complications, such as anastomotic dehiscence and superficial surgical site infections.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our review identified 14 RCTs and 8 meta-analyses. Based on the quality and content of these original manuscripts, we formulated 6 recommendations for various aspects of bowel preparation in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taking into account the lack of difference in postoperative infectious complication rates when MBP is omitted and the adverse effects of MBP, we believe that, based on the literature, MBP before surgery should be omitted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: Cagla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eskicioglu
authors.forename: Shawn S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: Darlene S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Fenech
authors.forename: Robin S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D057868:Anastomotic Leak; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D004032:Diet; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004733:Enema; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics