This randomized clinical trial studies how well neomycin and metronidazole hydrochloride with or without polyethylene glycol work in reducing infection in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Polyethylene glycol, may draw water from the body into the colon, flushing out the contents of the colon. Antibiotics, like neomycin and metronidazole hydrochloride, may stop bacteria from growing. It is not yet known whether it's better to give preoperative neomycin and metronidazole hydrochloride with or without polyethylene glycol in reducing surgical site infection after colorectal surgery.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To estimate the difference in rates of surgical site infection following elective colorectal resections in patients given a preoperative mechanical bowel prep with oral antibiotics as compared to preoperative oral antibiotics alone.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To determine rates of post-operative clostridium difficile infection, adynamic ileus, cardiopulmonary complications, urinary tract infection, length of stay and mortality in patients given preoperative oral antibiotics with a mechanical bowel prep versus preoperative antibiotics alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing ileocolic resections, partial and total colectomies, and rectal resections for neoplasm, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis
• Subjects with the mental capacity to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing emergent colorectal resections
• Patients who are decisionally-impaired and lack the mental capacity to give informed consent