Bowel preparation for elective left-sided colonic surgery.

The objective of the randomized clinical trial "Bowel preparation for elective left-sided colonic surgery" is to compare sodium phosphate enemas (Colex) and bisacodyl (tablet and suppository) in terms of surgical efficacy and patient comfort.
The trial is single blind (surgeon is masked). Concealment of allocation is upheld. The primary outcomes (as described above) will be assessed through a 5-point questionnaire completed by surgeon and patient. Secondary to this the incidence of complications such as wound infection and anastomotic leaks will be monitored.

The objective of this study is to ascertain the best method of bowel preparation, prior to elective left-sided colonic surgery in terms of patient comfort and surgical efficacy. Sodium phosphate enemas (Colex) and bisacodyl (tablet and suppository) are to be compared. The occurrence of infections (wound, peritonitis) and anastomotic leaks will be monitored.
Null hypotheses are:

1. Patients in both groups experience pain and discomfort equally.

2. The surgeon finds no difference in the condition of the left hemicolon intraoperatively.

3. No difference in incidence of infection is found.

4. No difference in incidence of anastomotic leaks is found.

N/A

Interventions in the bisacodyl group:

Evening before surgery, 8 PM - bisacodyl tablet 5 mg, 4 tablets, oral administration;

Morning of surgery, 6 AM - bisacodyl suppository 10 mg, 1 suppository, rectal administration.

Intervention in the Colex group:

Evening before surgery, 8 PM - Colex 133 ml, enema, rectal administration;

Morning of surgery, 6 AM - Colex 133 ml, enema, rectal administration.