The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Gut microbiome influences on anastomotic leak and recurrence rates following colorectal cancer surgery. BJS 2018; 105: e131-e141.

Published: 17th January 2018

Authors: S. Gaines, C. Shao, N. Hyman, J. C. Alverdy

Background

The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer recurrence after a curative resection remains poorly understood. A yet‐to‐be accounted for variable is the composition and function of the microbiome adjacent to the tumour and its influence on the margins of resection following surgery.

Method

PubMed was searched for historical as well as current manuscripts dated between 1970 and 2017 using the following keywords: ‘colorectal cancer recurrence’, ‘microbiome’, ‘anastomotic leak’, ‘anastomotic failure’ and ‘mechanical bowel preparation’.

Results

There is a substantial and growing body of literature to demonstrate the various mechanisms by which environmental factors act on the microbiome to alter its composition and function with the net result of adversely affecting oncological outcomes following surgery. Some of these environmental factors include diet, antibiotic use, the methods used to prepare the colon for surgery and the physiological stress of the operation itself.

Conclusion

Interrogating the intestinal microbiome using next‐generation sequencing technology has the potential to influence cancer outcomes following colonic resection.

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