The Journal of surgical research
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Perioperative supplemental oxygen has been proposed to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal surgery. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been reported with inconsistent results. In addition, relevant clinical outcomes other than SSIs have been collected in these studies and have been equivocal. A meta-analysis of RCTs was performed to elucidate the effects of perioperative supplemental oxygen in colorectal surgery on SSI incidence, mortality, ICU admission, and length of stay. ⋯ Perioperative supplemental oxygen in colorectal surgery does not significantly reduce SSI. However, supplemental oxygen appears to confer a mortality benefit, a previously unreported finding. Further RCTs are required to confirm these conclusions.