The role of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics in prevention of anastomotic leakage following restorative resection for primary rectal cancer - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the use of mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics is associated with a decreased risk of anastomotic leakage among patients undergoing restorative resection for primary rectal cancer. The limitations of the review should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results.