Oral antibiotic bowel preparation before elective colorectal surgery significantly reduces surgical site infections, influencing patient care decisions.

• SSI rates dropped sharply with oral antibiotics: 14% vs. 41.9% without (p<0.01).
• Hospital stays shortened for those receiving oral antibiotics: 8.09 days vs. 11.28 days (p<0.01).

This safe approach enhances recovery and may shift standard practices in colorectal surgery.

• No adverse effects reported, indicating good tolerability of the regimen.