Work

The influence of preoperative bowel preparation on surgical site infection in pediatric colorectal surgery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections that occur in pediatric patients in the United States, with colorectal procedures consistently demonstrating the highest rates of SSI. Strategies to reduce SSI in colorectal surgery include standardized perioperative colorectal care bundles, which commonly incorporate preoperative bowel preparation. Robust adult literature exists supporting the use of mechanical bowel preparation in combination with oral antibiotics to mitigate SSI; however, pediatric evidence remains less definitive. Current pediatric literature shows heterogeneity of bowel preparation use amongst surgeons, with existing literature consisting primarily of small retrospective studies. A well-designed pediatric randomized controlled trial comparing the four available bowel preparation strategies would provide much needed evidence to define best practice for preoperative colorectal surgery care amid current variations in clinical practice.

Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery

DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2026.151588

Authors: Katlyn G. McKay, Naomi-Liza Denning, Rebecca M. Rentea, Eunice Y. Huang

Institutions: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Surgical site infection prevention

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,420