Perioperative changes in the microbiome during rectal cancer surgery: exploratory analysis of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) IntAct trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The gut microbiome may influence postoperative outcomes after rectal cancer surgery, including anastomotic leak. However, perioperative microbiome dynamics and their association with outcomes remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the rectal microbiome in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery within the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) IntAct trial.

Methods

Rectal swabs were collected at baseline, day of surgery, and postoperative day 3-5. DNA was extracted for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing and collagenase-producing organisms were identified by culture. Associations between microbiome composition and clinical variables were analysed.

Results

A total of 202 patients were included (mean a

SUBMITTER: Helliwell JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12481238 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature