Intestinal preparation before colorectal cancer surgery

Since the large intestine contains feces, the bacteria contained in it can easily lead to infection after colorectal cancer surgery, such as abdominal infection, incision infection, and even sepsis and anastomotic leakage. Therefore, it is very important to do a good job of intestinal work before surgery.

1. Oral laxatives and antibiotics

This method of intestinal preparation takes about 3-4 days and is suitable for patients without intestinal obstruction. During the preparation period, the diet is mainly liquid food, and the laxative senna, antibiotic streptomycin, and metronidazole are taken orally. Since some bacteria in the large intestine produce vitamin K, it is necessary to supplement vitamin K during the process of cleaning the intestine. In addition, this method requires attention to the dosage and start time of the laxative.

2. Irrigation of the entire digestive tract

This method is to use a stomach tube to infuse a large amount of isotonic solution, about 1000 ml, into the digestive tract in a short period of time, exceeding the absorption capacity of the small intestine, so that the contents of the intestine are excreted out of the body along with the liquid. The infusion rate is 75ml/min, and the bowel movement occurs after about an hour, and the end is 3 hours.

3. Rapid bowel preparation

This method mainly uses highly osmotic substances such as mannitol or oral enema solution to stimulate intestinal peristalsis and secretion, thereby diluting and excreting a large amount of intestinal contents.

4. Bowel preparation during surgery

It is mainly used for emergency patients, patients with intestinal obstruction and patients who are not fully prepared before surgery. By removing the appendix, inserting a thin catheter from the appendix cavity into the colon, cutting the intestinal tube at least 5 cm proximal to the tumor, ligating the distal end, and injecting normal saline into the intestinal cavity through the catheter, the purpose of clear irrigation is achieved.