*2.2.3 Antimicrobial and skin preparation*

Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis should be given 60 minutes prior to the incision. There is a reduction in surgical site infection (SSI) after oral and systemic antibiotics, along with mechanical bowel preparation in colorectal surgery. The SSI rate further decreases after skin decontamination with chlorhexidine. Although preoperative hair removal does not decrease SSI incidence, it should preferably be performed using clippers [33]. The grade of recommendation is strong for intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis and skin decontamination by chlorhexidine.

### *2.2.4 Preoperative fluid and electrolyte therapy*

Preoperative fluid and electrolyte deficits should be corrected before the patient reaches the operating room. Its grade of recommendation is strong.
