Gastric cancer surgery significantly alters the composition of the gut microbiota, according to a prospective longitudinal study published in Frontiers in Oncology. The research, which analyzed fecal samples from 60 patients before and after gastrectomy, reveals notable shifts in the gut microbiome following surgical intervention.
The study employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess differences in gut microbiota diversity and structure. Researchers compared alpha diversity (Chao1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index) before and after surgery but found no significant difference (all P > 0.05). However, analysis at the phylum level revealed changes in the abundance of specific bacterial groups post-gastrectomy.
"Understanding how gastric cancer surgery impacts the gut microbiome is crucial," said Dr. Yuhua He, a corresponding author of the study from West China Hospital, Sichuan University. "These changes may have implications for patient recovery and long-term health."
The study involved collecting a total of 120 fecal specimens from the 60 patients enrolled. The prospective design allowed for a detailed examination of the gut microbiota's evolution during the patients' hospital stay. While the study identifies changes in the gut microbiota, further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these alterations and their potential impact on patient outcomes.
Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge, and surgery is a primary treatment option for many patients. This research underscores the importance of considering the gut microbiome as a factor in post-operative care and recovery. Future studies could explore interventions to modulate the gut microbiota and improve patient outcomes following gastric cancer surgery.
