[Large bowel preparation in colon surgery: elemental diet (author's transl)].

None of the usual methods of bowel preparation guarantee an aseptic large bowel. The intention is to reduce intestinal flora quantitatively, which can be achieved by mechanical cleansing alone. During the preparation period caloric and amino acid intake is insufficient. Therefore alimentation with elemental diet is necessary. The patient gets an adequate caloric and protein supply. The diet is totally absorbed in the small intestine, the large bowel remains clean, and the bacterial flora is reduced.