Septic complications in colo-rectal surgery after 24 hours versus 60 hours of preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation. II. Significance of bacterial concentrations in the bowel for contamination of the operation field and subsequent wound infection.

In a controlled study, the results of peroral preoperative antibiotic bowel preparation administered for 24 vs. 60 hours, respectively, were compared. No differences were found in concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria or in concentrations of antibiotics in colonic contents. Contamination of the operation field during operation was examined by quantitative culture of irrigation fluid from the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue. A significant correlation was found between concentrations of bacteria in colonic contents and the degree of contamination in the peritoneal cavity and subcutaneous tissue. A significant correlation was also found between contamination of the operation field and subsequent development of wound infection.