Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

21.1K

Perioperative Probiotic Supplementation to Reduce Postoperative Infection and Inflammation in Children and Neonates

Amani N Alansari1, Marwa Messaoud2,3, Suzie Khogeer4

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics may reduce postoperative infections and inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger trials.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Pediatric and neonatal gastrointestinal surgery patients face high risks of postoperative infections, inflammation, and delayed recovery.
  • Probiotic supplementation is explored for its potential to restore gut microbial balance and improve outcomes.
  • This study systematically evaluates probiotics' impact on postoperative results in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on postoperative outcomes in pediatric and neonatal gastrointestinal surgery.
  • To assess the impact of probiotics on infection rates, inflammation markers, and gut microbiota.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines.
  • Searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science) for relevant studies.
  • Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing probiotics to placebo or standard care.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies (6 RCTs, 2 cohorts) with 437 patients were analyzed.
  • Probiotics significantly reduced postoperative infections (RR=0.49, p=0.027) and C-reactive protein levels (RR=0.42, p<0.001).
  • Increased *Bifidobacterium* abundance (SMD=0.84, p<0.001) was observed; no significant effects on hospital stay or *Lactobacillus* levels.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics, especially *Bifidobacterium species*, show potential in reducing postoperative infections and inflammation after pediatric gastrointestinal surgery.
  • The current evidence is based on a limited number of studies and small sample sizes.
  • Larger, well-designed trials are necessary to confirm these promising findings and establish clinical efficacy.
Abstract

Keywords:
gut microbiotainflammationneonatal surgerypediatric surgerypostoperative infections

More Related Videos

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

1.8K
Author Spotlight: Isolation and Characterization of Equine Submucosal Enteric Glia &#8212; Implications for Preventing Postoperative Complications in Colic Surgery08:07

Author Spotlight: Isolation and Characterization of Equine Submucosal Enteric Glia — Implications for Preventing Postoperative Complications in Colic Surgery

Published on: October 4, 2024

956

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
1.2K
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
917
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
296
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
1.3K