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Does the use of probiotics/synbiotics prevent postoperative infections in patients undergoing abdominal surgery? A

Eleni Pitsouni1, Vangelis Alexiou, Vasilis Saridakis

  • 1Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBS), 9 Neapoleos Street, 15123 Marousi, Greece.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|March 28, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Perioperative probiotics/synbiotics may reduce postoperative infections and hospital stays in abdominal surgery patients. While promising for infection prevention, further research is needed due to study heterogeneity.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Innovation
  • Microbiome Research
  • Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

  • Postoperative morbidity remains a concern despite surgical advances.
  • Surgical site infections are a significant contributor to patient morbidity.
  • Probiotics and synbiotics are being explored for infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative probiotics/synbiotics in reducing postoperative complications.
  • To assess the impact on infection rates, hospital stay, and antibiotic use.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Methods:

  • Systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
  • Inclusion of nine RCTs involving 733 patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
  • Meta-analysis of outcomes including infection incidence, hospital stay, and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Probiotic/synbiotic use was associated with lower rates of pneumonia, cholangitis, and overall infections.
  • Reduced duration of hospital stay and antibiotic therapy observed in the probiotic group.
  • No significant difference in wound infection, urinary tract infection, intra-abdominal abscess, or mortality rates.

Conclusions:

  • Perioperative probiotics/synbiotics show potential in reducing postoperative infections after abdominal surgery.
  • This approach may decrease morbidity, shorten hospital stays, and reduce antibiotic reliance.
  • Heterogeneity among included studies necessitates cautious interpretation of findings.

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