Conclusion Based on the current literature , there is insufficient evidence to indicate that the use of MBP leads to a significant difference in the risk of developing infectious complications in pediatric colorectal surgery
Objectives To evaluate whether the application of mechanical bowel preparation ( MBP ) before colorectal surgery reduces the risk of developing infectious complications in children .
Elective intestinal operations in infants and children without mechanical bowel preparation: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND / PURPOSE Preoperative mechanical bowel preparation ( MBP ) for elective intestinal operations has been a long accepted practice . However , MBP is often unpleasant and time-consuming for patients , and clinical trials in adults have not shown improved outcomes . We conducted this pilot study to test whether omitting MBP before elective intestinal operations in infants and children would increase the risk of infectious or anastomotic complications . METHODS Retrospective review was performed of 143 patients who had an elective colon or distal small bowel procedure performed at our children 's hospital between 1990 and 2003 . RESULTS Thirty-three patients ( No PREP ) were managed by a single surgeon who routinely omitted MBP , whereas another 110 patients ( PREP ) were prepared with enemas , laxatives , or both . Both groups received 24 hours of preoperative dietary restriction to clear liquids and perioperative parenteral antibiotics . The No PREP group had one anastomotic leak and no wound infections , whereas the PREP group had 2 anastomotic leaks and 1 wound infection ( P = .58 ) . These results occurred despite greater duration of antibiotic therapy and incidence of delayed wound closures in the PREP group . CONCLUSION The results of this pilot study suggest that omitting MBP before elective intestinal operations in infants and children carries no increased risk of infectious or anastomotic complications . Eliminating MBP may reduce health care costs and inconvenience to patients . These findings warrant a large , prospect i ve , r and omized clinical trial to vali date our findings and to investigate further the necessity of MBP in the pediatric population
Conclusion Based on the current literature , there is insufficient evidence to indicate that the use of MBP leads to a significant difference in the risk of developing infectious complications in pediatric colorectal surgery
Objectives To evaluate whether the application of mechanical bowel preparation ( MBP ) before colorectal surgery reduces the risk of developing infectious complications in children .