In a nutshell
This study investigated the protective effect of probiotics in the intestine of colorectal cancer patients after surgery.
Researchers suggested that probiotics are beneficial for the intestine of colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery.
Some background
Colorectal cancer patients are commonly subjected to surgery as part of the cancer treatment. However, surgery can upset the normal function of the intestines, resulting in post-surgery diarrhea and infections.
Prior studies have found that supplements of probiotics (bacteria that protects the intestines) helps with restoring the normal function of the intestines in some diseases. However, little is known about the effect of probiotics in post-surgery colorectal cancer.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to assess if probiotics protect the intestine of colorectal cancer patients after surgery.
This study reviewed 17 studies including information on 1242 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery. The data from these studies were combined and analyzed. The patients were divided in two groups: those that were treated and those who were not treated with probiotics. Bacteria levels and markers for normal intestine function were measured in each group.
Treatment with probiotics protected intestinal function. Levels of normal bacteria were higher and markers of inflammation were lower in patients treated with probiotics.
The bottom line
This study determined that probiotics are protective of the intestine in patients with colorectal cancer after surgery.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Apr 01, 2016
