[Preoperative reduction of intestinal bacteria through orthograde lavage of the large intestine].

The orthograde colon lavage, suggested by Crapp, is a new method for the preoperative preparation of the colon. On the day prior to surgery, the sitting patient receives for 4 h through a stomach probe, 101 of physiological saline solution warmed up to 37 degrees C. The result is a complete evacuation of the bowel. If a bactericidal antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity (neomycin) is added, the suppression of the microflora amounts to 92%. The regeneration of the intestinal flora could be observed after a few days. A complete evacuation of the colon is guaranteed by this procedure, so that all operations can be performed under optimal conditions. From the clinical as well as from the microbiological point of view this method is without any risk. -- The orthograde colon lavage is indicated in every case of colon, rectum and anal surgery, but it is contraindicated in patients with highly stenosing tumors.