Use of Prebiotics, Probiotics and Symbiotics in Pre and Postoperative of Colorectal Cancer: a Review

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, the colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death between women and the third most prevailing among men. Objective: To review the use of prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics and its implications in the pre and postoperative phases in patients with colorectal cancer. Method: Bibliographic review of articles published between 2008 and 2013, with research on MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO database, from February to May of 2014, with the descriptors: "prebiotics", "probiotics", "colorectal neoplasms" and "preoperative care". Results: Seven articles were found including the research. The variety of lactobacillus depicted in the studies showed differences in kind, concentration and intervention model approached. However, it’s now known that the interventional use of isolated probiotics or its use in association with prebiotic fibers was beneficial for patients that have used them, preoperative as well as postoperative. The main founds were: improvements in the quality of life, in laboratory tests and in the immunologic defense pattern. On the other hand, there was a slightest bacterial translocation and the decrease of Enteropathogenic bacteria according to the symbiotic utilization in the substitution for the conventional surgery preparation mechanisms. Conclusion: We highlight the need for more prospective studies that can give us more complete and well delineated data with strains and specific quantities, aiming to provide more conclusive results about real benefits of this kind of supplementation in oncologic patients.