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Updated: May 4, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Impact of gut microbiota on colorectal anastomotic healing (Review)
Yangyang Chen1, Nian Wu2, Xin Yan3
1General Surgery Department, Guiyang Public Health Clinical Center, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Intestinal anastomosis is a critical procedure in both emergency and elective surgeries to maintain intestinal continuity. However, the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) has recently increased, reaching up to 20%, imposing major clinical and economic burdens. Substantial perioperative alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition may contribute to AL, particularly due to disruptions in key microbial populations essential for intestinal health and healing. The intricate interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the host immune system, along with microbial changes before and during surgery, significantly influences anastomotic integrity. Notably, specific pathogens such as Enterococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been implicated in AL pathogenesis. Preventive strategies including dietary regulation, personalized intestinal preparation, microbiota restoration and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, may mitigate AL risks. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms linking intestinal microbiota alterations to anastomotic healing and developing targeted interventions to improve surgical outcomes.
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