An Integrative Review on the Effect of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Synbiotics on Infection After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

A score of 70% correct on the examination is required for credit. Participants receive feedback on incorrect answers. Each applicant who successfully completes this program can immediately print a certificate of completion. Event: #18504 Session: #0001 Fee: Free for AORN members. For non-member pricing, please visit http://www.aornjournal.org/content/cme. The contact hours for this article expire February 28, 2021. Nonmember pricing is subject to change. PURPOSE/GOALTo provide the learner with knowledge of best practices related to the effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on infection in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. OBJECTIVES1. Discuss how bowel surgery affects surgical site infection. 2. Discuss how traditional bowel preps affect surgical site infection. 3. Describe how prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics affect colorectal cancer surgery infection rates. ACCREDITATION AORN is accredited with distinction as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.ABSTRACT Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are known to promote a homeostatic microbial balance in the intestines, thus improving gut function. Some studies show that use of these microorganisms perioperatively in gastrointestinal surgeries improves patient outcomes with a faster return of gut motility, decreased infection rates, and a reduction in postoperative complications. We evaluated the literature to determine whether the use of perioperative prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery improves the incidence of infectious complications and inflammatory response outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive search of Scopus, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which yielded seven studies. The studies' findings showed conflicting results regarding the incorporation of perioperative prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics and the rate of postoperative infectious complications, and showed no effect on systemic inflammatory response. Conflicting data indicate additional studies are needed before determining whether a practice change is warranted.