Bowel preparation
Preoperative cleansing of the colon and rectum to reduce bacterial load and improve visualization during surgery.
Full Definition
The preoperative process of cleansing the colon and rectum using oral laxatives, enemas, or both, designed to remove fecal material and reduce bacterial contamination. In laparoscopic surgery, bowel preparation is particularly important for procedures involving the pelvis, colorectal resections, or operations where bowel injury risk is elevated. Mechanical preparation may be combined with oral antibiotics to further reduce infection risk. The decision to use bowel preparation depends on the specific procedure, patient factors, and institutional protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type of preparation (mechanical, antibiotic, or combined) in documentation.
In Context
- "The patient completed mechanical bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol solution the day before surgery." — Preoperative note
- "Combined mechanical and antibiotic bowel preparation was administered to minimize infection risk." — Preoperative protocol