Effect of bowel preparation and a fiber-free liquid diet on expression of transforming growth factor and procollagen in colonic tissue preoperatively and postoperatively.

Purpose: Dehiscence of colonic anastomoses is prevalent and potentially fatal. In an attempt to reduce the likelihood of anastomotic dehiscence, the colon is cleansed before surgery and fiber-free diets are prescribed postoperatively. However, fiber-free diets induce colonic atrophy and impair healing.