Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
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J. Gastrointest. Surg. · Jun 2016
Review Meta AnalysisProbiotics and Synbiotics Decrease Postoperative Sepsis in Elective Gastrointestinal Surgical Patients: a Meta-Analysis.
The health benefits of probiotics and synbiotics are well established in healthy adults, but their role in preventing postoperative sepsis remains controversial. This meta-analysis assesses the impact of probiotics and synbiotics on the incidence of postoperative sepsis in gastrointestinal (GI) surgical patients. ⋯ The use of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing postoperative sepsis in patients undergoing elective GI surgery. Probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is a valuable adjunct in the care of patients undergoing GI surgery. Additional studies are required to determine the optimal dose and strain of probiotic/synbiotic.