American journal of surgery
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Colon preparation for elective colon resection to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) remains controversial. ⋯ Mechanical bowel preparation alone does not reduce rates of SSI, but oral antibiotic preparation and systemic preoperative antibiotics are superior when compared with systemic antibiotics alone. Additional clinical trials are necessary to define the best combined overall mechanical and oral antibiotic regimen for elective colon surgery.