The Intestinal Microbiome

Objective 3: The intestinal microbiome

Recent studies have suggested that changes in the intestinal microbiome after surgery may be associated with anastomotic leak

Bowel preparation prior to right colectomy has become less popular internationally, because of the risks of dehydration and poor patient experience before surgery.

Studies are ongoing to determine the possible benefits of oral antibiotics (with or without bowel prep) in changing the microbiome and so reducing anastomotic leak.

Proponents of oral antibiotic preparation hope that by altering the intestinal microbiome, surgeons may reduce anastomotic failure, particularly late anastomotic leak.

To learn more about how the intestinal microbiome may be altered click below:

Alterations in the intestinal microbiome

To learn more about the evolving evidence for oral antibiotic preparation of the bowel click below:

Combined oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation

The video below shows a discussion between surgeons about the evolving evidence base for oral antibiotic preparation of the bowel prior to surgery: