Effects of Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria-assisted mirtazapine in managing depression in patients after radical surgery for gastric cancer.

Background: Patients with gastric cancer may have a risk of depression after radical surgery, which affects recovery and requires intensive intervention.

Aim: To explore the role of Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria-assisted mirtazapine in patients with depression after radical surgery for gastric cancer.

Methods: This study included 80 patients with gastric cancer who experienced depression after undergoing radical surgery from January 2022 to December 2023 at Jiangnan University Hospital in Wuxi city in Jiangsu province. The patients were categorized into the control group (n = 40) treated with mirtazapine and observation group (n = 40) treated with combined Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria-assisted mirtazapine. Neuroendocrine index, intestinal flora level, nutrition status, and patient quality of life were analyzed.

Results: Before drug index level, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups P > 0.05). After drug administration, both groups experienced a decline in depression scores, cortisol, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis levels, and quality of life scores, whereas dopamine, serotonin, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, hemoglobin, serum albumin and prealbumin levels increased. The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements across these indicators, with significant differences within groups and between groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Bifidobacterium has a relieving effect on depression in patients after radical surgery for gastric cancer, improves neuroendocrine status, regulates intestinal flora, and improves nutritional status and quality of life.