The role of gut microbiota on anastomotic leakage in obesity

Details

Supervisors

Cani, Patrice D. ; Van Hul, Matthias

Faculty

Faculté de pharmacie et des sciences biomédicales

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences biomédicales, à finalité approfondie

Abstract

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a major complication for up to 19% of patients undergoing a colorectal anastomosis. This complication can lead to peritonitis which in turn can cause death in 15-33% of cases. Several factors influence this issue. Some are uncontrollable (e.g., age, sex, ...) but some could be managed (i.e., experience of the surgeon, type of surgery, ...). Moreover, the microbiota has emerged as a potential influencing factor and whether or how to prepare the bowel prior to surgery has become a matter of debate. Many studies demonstrate an increased risk for AL with obesity. Obesity is also often associated with microbial dysbiosis, i.e. an alteration of the gut microbiota composition characterized by a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in opportunistic or harmful bacteria. The debate between “to prepare or not to prepare” led to the idea of a targeted bowel preparation, aiming at reducing the presence of possible harmful bacteria while preserving or increasing beneficial bacteria levels to improve healing and post-surgical recovery. This master thesis fits in this framework and aimed at studying AL development in obese mice and assessing whether altering the microbiota using a beneficial bacterium could improve wound healing and post-surgery outcome.