Use of a balanced bowel preparation solution in urological surgery.

A balanced bowel preparation solution was used in 25 patients undergoing cystectomy and in 31 undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. No significant problems occurred during the preparation, intraoperatively or postoperatively. Metronidazole and neomycin were used for antibiotic coverage. Consistent with the findings of other studies no significant physiological shifts occurred and patient acceptance was good. Savings were noted in cost, duration of hospitalization, time needed for nursing care and nutritional status. The balanced bowel preparation solution is an attractive and equally effective alternative to the standard laxative-enema bowel preparations for urological operations.