Time to Return of Bowel Function Following Perioperative Probiotics in Colorectal Cancer Surgery

There is pre-existing evidence that probiotics could be useful in the improvement of ileus rates. One metaanalysis of 30 studies demonstrated a reduction in the prevalence of post-operative ileus as determined by time to flatus, time to defecation, as well as postoperative abdominal distension (PMID:37373843). More broadly in gastrointestinal surgery, a meta-analysis of 21 randomised controlled trials similarly affirmed the speedier recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery when probiotics were administered (PMID: 35231076). In spite of these advantages, the routine use of probiotics perioperatively for colorectal cancer surgery is not performed in Singapore. We therefore seek to perform a trial to investigate whether probiotic administration perioperatively may reduce post operative ileus rates.