Effect of oral antibiotic bowel preparation versus no preparation on surgical site infections in elective colorectal surgery: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a significant cause of morbidity following colorectal surgery. While mechanical bowel preparation combined with oral antibiotics is known to reduce SSIs, the independent effect of oral antibiotics alone remains unclear. This study compared the efficacy of oral antibiotic bowel preparation (OABP) versus no bowel preparation (NBP) in reducing SSIs among patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial was performed at a tertiary care center in India. Eighty-six patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery were randomized to receive either OABP (oral ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) or placebo, in addition to standard intravenous antibiotics. The primary outcome was the rate of SSIs. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leak, length of hospital stay, overall morbidity, and readmission rates.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The incidence of SSI was significantly lower in the OABP group compared to the NBP group (14.0% vs. 41.9%, P<0.01). The severity of infections and postoperative complications was also reduced in the OABP group (P<0.01). Although rates of anastomotic leak, readmission, and reoperation were higher in the NBP group, these differences were not statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was shorter for patients in the OABP group (8.09 days vs. 11.28 days, P<0.01). No adverse effects related to oral antibiotics were observed.

CONCLUSION

OABP without mechanical cleansing significantly reduces SSIs, postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay in elective colorectal surgery. This approach is safe and effective, offering a strategy to improve surgical outcomes.