Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptoms Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has emerged as the leading form of bariatric surgery, resulting in substantial weight loss and a decrease in obesity-related health issues. However, many patients experience postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation and bloating. The study investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on these gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals who have undergone SG. Additionally, it aimed to analyze laboratory and stool test outcomes

This prospective, placebo-controlled study involved patients undergoing SG without pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders and were randomly assigned to either the probiotics group or the control group. Gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as laboratory and stool test results, were evaluated both prior to surgery and one month postoperatively.

The results demonstrated the following:

• A total of 31 patients participated, with 15 assigned to the probiotics group and 16 to the control group. 
• Probiotic supplementation led to a marked increase in weekly bowel movements and a reduction in the incidence of constipation.
• Patients in the probiotics group also showed easier bowel movements and a greater sense of completeness after defecation.
• There were no notable differences in weight loss or laboratory test results between the two groups. 
• Stool microbiota analysis indicated a normalization of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Clostridium perfringens levels in the probiotics group, whereas these levels increased in the control group.

To summarize, probiotic supplementation following SG considerably alleviates constipation without causing adverse effects. These results indicate that inclusion of probiotics into postoperative care may improve patient comfort and facilitate recovery.

Source: Dowgiałło-Gornowicz N, Mysiorska D, Sosnowska-Turek E, Botulińska A, Lech P. Initial Study on the Impact of Probiotics on Postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Gut Microbiota after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2024 Oct 15;16(20):3498. doi: 10.3390/nu16203498. PMID: 39458493; PMCID: PMC11510060.