The use of prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics in the post-operative assistance of patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction: the number of new cases of cancer in Brazil and in the world has caused great concern, consolidating itself as a public health problem, with colorectal cancer (CRC) being the third most diagnosed malignant neoplasm. Studies suggest that the use of probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics can help to reduce postoperative complications. Objective: to review articles on the use of prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics in the postoperative care of patients with CRC. Method: the review is based on scientific articles published between 2016 and 2021, in the CAPES, Elsevier and NCBI databases, using the descriptors “Probiotics” (“Probiotics”), “Prebiotics” (“Prebiotics”), “Symbiotics ” (“Synbiotics”), “Perioperative” (“Perioperative”), “Colorrectal Cancer” (“Colorectal Cancer”) and “Adults” (“Adults”). Selected by titles and abstracts, with the exclusion of review articles and literature review, about animals and those that escaped the theme. Results: 97 studies were found and, after selection, five remained that aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of probiotics or symbiotics in patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of CRC. Discussion: the oral use of probiotics and symbiotics proved to be safe for patients undergoing CRC treatment, with evidence in the reduction of the incidence of infections and other postoperative complications, in the reduction of the inflammatory state of the patient and with a lower concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines. -inflammatory, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and a reduction in morbidities. Conclusion: more clinical trials are needed to better understand the management of probiotic strains and the benefits that these microorganisms can bring to patients undergoing CRC treatment.