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The Role of Probiotics in Inflammation Associated with Major Surgery: A Narrative Review
Rafail Matzaras1, Nikolaos Anagnostou2, Anna Nikopoulou3
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University General Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, St. Niarchou, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece.
Background:
Gut microbiota is well-known for its ability to maintain intestinal homeostasis. However, the disruption of this homeostasis, known as dysbiosis, leads to multiple consequences, including local and systemic inflammation. Surgery-induced inflammation is a major concern for patients, as it leads to many infectious and non-infectious complications.
Objective:
The purpose of this review was to explore the role of probiotics and symbiotics in surgery-induced inflammation and to determine if their use is effective in combatting inflammation and its complications Methods and Materials: A literature search was conducted, and articles published only in English, until December 2022 were included. The results are reported in the form of a narrative review.
Results:
The perioperative use of probiotics and/or symbiotics results in lower risk of infectious complications, including reduced rates of surgical site infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections, shorter hospital stays, and fewer days of antibiotic administration. It also contributes to reducing non-infectious complications, as it mitigates systemic and local inflammation via maintenance of the intestinal barrier, improves intestinal mobility, and is associated with lower rates of postoperative pain and anastomotic leak.
Conclusions:
Restoring gut microbiota after disruptions caused by surgery may accelerate local healing processes, attenuate systemic inflammation, and may thus prove beneficial to certain populations.
Insights
Probiotics and symbiotics can reduce surgery-related inflammation and complications. Their use lowers infection risk, shortens hospital stays, and aids healing by restoring gut microbiota balance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Gut microbiota disruption (dysbiosis) causes inflammation and complications post-surgery.
- Surgery-induced inflammation poses significant risks, leading to infectious and non-infectious issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of probiotics and symbiotics in managing surgery-induced inflammation.
- To assess the efficacy of these interventions in preventing surgical complications.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of English-language literature published up to December 2022.
- Literature search focused on probiotics, symbiotics, and surgery-induced inflammation.
Main Results:
- Perioperative use of probiotics/symbiotics reduced infectious complications (e.g., surgical site infections, respiratory/urinary tract infections).
- These interventions led to shorter hospital stays and less antibiotic use.
- Non-infectious complications were also reduced, with improved intestinal barrier function, mobility, and decreased postoperative pain and anastomotic leak.
Conclusions:
- Restoring gut microbiota post-surgery can accelerate healing.
- Probiotics and symbiotics may attenuate systemic inflammation, benefiting specific patient groups.
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