Abstract
Postoperative ileus is a major problem following gastrointestinal cancers surgery, several randomized controlled trials have been conducted investigating the use of probiotics or synbiotics to reduce postoperative ileus, but their findings are controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on early postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of probiotics or synbiotics on postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function as of April 27, 2021. Outcomes included the time to first flatus, time to first defecation, days to first solid diet, days to first fluid diet, length of postoperative hospital stay, incidence of abdominal distension and incidence of postoperative ileus. The results were reported as the mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 21 RCTs, involving 1776 participants, were included. Compared with the control group, probiotic and synbiotic supplementation resulted in a shorter first flatus (MD, -0.53 days), first defecation (MD, -0.78 days), first solid diet (MD, -0.25 days), first fluid diet (MD, -0.29 days) and postoperative hospital stay (MD, -1.43 days). Furthermore, Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of abdominal distension (RR, 0.62) and incidence of postoperative ileus (RR, 0.47). Perioperative supplementation of probiotics or synbiotics can effectively promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
Highlights
IntroductionGastrointestinal cancers account for about 25% of new cancer cases worldwide and cause more than 35% of cancer-related deaths [1]
Outcomes included the time to first flatus, time to first defecation, days to first solid diet, days to first fluid diet, length of postoperative hospital stay, incidence of abdominal distension and incidence of postoperative ileus
The results were reported as the mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)
Summary
Gastrointestinal cancers account for about 25% of new cancer cases worldwide and cause more than 35% of cancer-related deaths [1]. Surgery is an essential treatment for gastrointestinal cancer. Postoperative ileus is an inevitable and most common complication of gastrointestinal surgery, with up to 30% of patients suffering from postoperative ileus [2–4]. Postoperative ileus refers to the delayed recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery, with clinical manifestations of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, vomiting, and delayed defecation of exhaust, leading to prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity [4–7]. Postoperative ileus is a significant financial burden for patients, adding more than 1,000,000,000 dollars in additional medical costs annually in the United States [8]. Postoperative ileus is a major problem following gastrointestinal cancers surgery, several randomized controlled trials have been conducted investigating the use of probiotics or synbiotics to reduce postoperative ileus, but their findings are controversial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
