The Microbiome's Role in Driving Anastomotic Leak and Cancer Recurrence Following Colorectal Surgery.

The intestinal microbiota is composed of diverse microbial species that interact with the host, playing a vital role in immune regulation and maintaining homeostasis. Colorectal surgery has been shown to alter the gut microbiota, contributing to post-operative complications. Emerging evidence suggests that these microbial shifts influence the incidence of anastomotic leaks. In this review, we examine how the gut microbiota composition is altered in patients undergoing colon surgery, leading to anastomotic leaks, the role of collagenolytic bacteria in tissue breakdown at the anastomotic site, the connection between anastomotic leaks and cancer recurrence, and microbially based therapeutic approaches to prevent leaks.