Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v in Colon Surgery

L Plantarum 299v to Patients Undergoing Colon Resection - a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Intestinal pathogenes are often involved in postoperative complications after colon surgery. Probiotic bacteria, i e live bacteria which have beneficial effects on the host when ingested, have been shown to reduce bacterial translocation in animal studies. However, in humans studies results have varied. The purpose with this study was to find whether high doses of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v affects the potentially pathogenic microflora of the gut, bacterial translocation and cell proliferation in patients undergoing planned colon surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• planned resection of colon for malignant or benign disease
• all ages

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to understand instructions and perform preoperative intake of study preparation
• rectal surgery
• present or past history of endocarditis
• congenital or acquired valvular heart disease