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

Randomised clinical trial of synbiotic therapy in elective surgical patients. Gut 2004; 53: 241-245.

Published: 1st January 2004

Authors: Anderson ADG, McNaught CE, Jain PK, MacFie J

Conclusion

Synbiotic bacteria were given for two weeks preoperatively in this trial that included 137 procedures. The bacteria had no measurable effect on gut barrier function and the rate of septic complications was similar: 32 per cent symbiotic bacteria vs. 31 per cent in controls, p=0.882.

Pubmed Link