After abdominal surgery, patients often experience a frustrating complication where their intestines move food too slowly, causing bloating and longer hospital stays. Researchers tested whether a specific type of beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri could prevent this problem in mice. They gave mice this bacteria before surgery and found it helped their intestines work better afterward. The bacteria appeared to work by changing the balance of microbes in the gut and reducing inflammation. While these results are promising, scientists emphasize that more testing in humans is needed before this bacteria can be recommended as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether giving mice a specific probiotic (beneficial bacteria) before surgery could prevent their intestines from slowing down after the operation
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were divided into groups—some received antibiotics, some received the probiotic bacteria, and some served as controls before undergoing intestinal surgery
  • Key finding: Mice that received Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 before surgery had better intestinal movement after surgery compared to other groups, and their gut bacteria composition was healthier
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that taking specific probiotics before abdominal surgery might help prevent post-operative complications, but human studies are still needed to confirm this works in people

The Research Details

This was an experimental study using laboratory mice to test whether a specific probiotic could prevent intestinal slowdown after surgery. The researchers divided mice into different groups: some received antibiotics (which kill bacteria), some received the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri, and others served as controls. All mice then underwent intestinal surgery. The scientists measured how quickly food moved through the intestines after surgery and analyzed samples of intestinal tissue, bacteria, and waste products.

The study examined multiple factors to understand how the probiotic worked, including the types of immune cells in the intestines, inflammation markers, the composition of gut bacteria, and chemical byproducts of digestion. This comprehensive approach helped researchers identify the specific mechanisms by which the probiotic might prevent complications.

Post-operative ileus (the medical term for intestinal slowdown after surgery) is a common and costly problem that can extend hospital stays and cause patient discomfort. Understanding how gut bacteria and immune cells contribute to this condition could lead to new preventive strategies. Testing probiotics in animal models before human trials is the standard scientific approach to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on digestive system research. The researchers used multiple measurement methods to verify their findings, which strengthens confidence in the results. However, because this is an animal study, results may not directly translate to humans. The study design was controlled and systematic, which is appropriate for initial investigation of a new treatment approach.

What the Results Show

Mice that received Lactobacillus reuteri before surgery showed significantly better intestinal movement one day after surgery compared to mice that didn’t receive the probiotic. The probiotic-treated mice maintained healthier levels of specific immune cells called macrophages in their intestines, which appear to play an important role in preventing inflammation after surgery.

The bacteria also reduced harmful inflammatory immune cells (called M1 macrophages) and helped regulate chemical messengers in the body that control inflammation. Additionally, the probiotic prevented the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like E. coli, which was directly linked to slower intestinal movement in the mice that developed complications.

The probiotic also appeared to help restore normal chemical processes in the gut, though this effect was modest. Overall, the beneficial bacteria seemed to work by maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbes and preventing excessive inflammation.

The study found that the probiotic specifically affected certain chemical byproducts related to tryptophan (an amino acid) metabolism in the gut. While these changes were subtle, they suggest the bacteria influences how the body processes nutrients. The research also showed that the probiotic helped prevent harmful bacteria from invading the intestinal lining, which could reduce additional complications.

Previous research had suggested that gut bacteria and immune cells play a role in post-operative ileus, but the specific mechanisms weren’t well understood. This study builds on that knowledge by showing that a specific probiotic strain can influence both the bacterial community and immune response to prevent complications. The findings align with growing evidence that probiotics can modulate immune function, though most previous research focused on other health conditions.

This study was conducted entirely in mice, so results may not directly apply to humans—mouse intestines and immune systems differ from ours. The sample size of mice wasn’t specified in the available information. The study only measured intestinal movement one day after surgery, so it’s unclear if benefits persist longer. The researchers acknowledge that human clinical trials are necessary before this probiotic can be recommended for surgical patients. Additionally, the study didn’t test whether the probiotic would work if given after surgery rather than before, which would be more practical for many patients.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 appears promising for preventing post-operative intestinal slowdown, but it is NOT yet recommended for human use outside of clinical trials. Patients should not self-treat with this probiotic before surgery without medical supervision. Healthcare providers should await human clinical trials before considering this as a standard preventive treatment. Current confidence level: Low to Moderate (animal studies only).

This research is most relevant to: surgeons and gastroenterologists considering new preventive strategies, patients scheduled for abdominal surgery who experience complications, and researchers developing probiotic treatments. People should NOT start taking this specific probiotic based on this study alone. Those interested in probiotics for general health should consult their doctor about evidence-based options.

In this mouse study, benefits appeared within one day of surgery. If human trials confirm these findings, it would likely take several years of testing before this probiotic could be offered as a preventive treatment. Patients would probably need to start taking it before surgery to see benefits, based on this research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For users who participate in future clinical trials or use this probiotic under medical supervision: track daily bowel movements (frequency and consistency), abdominal bloating/discomfort on a 1-10 scale, and time from eating to first bowel movement
  • If recommended by a doctor: take the probiotic consistently as prescribed, typically starting 1-2 weeks before scheduled surgery; log adherence to the supplement schedule in the app to ensure compliance
  • Create a digestive health dashboard tracking: bowel movement patterns, abdominal comfort levels, energy levels, and any side effects; set reminders for consistent probiotic dosing; share data with healthcare provider before and after any surgical procedure

This research is preliminary animal study data and should not be used to guide personal medical decisions. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is not currently approved or recommended for preventing post-operative complications in humans. Do not start, stop, or change any medications or supplements before surgery without explicit approval from your surgeon and healthcare team. If you are scheduled for abdominal surgery, discuss all supplements and probiotics with your medical providers, as some may affect surgical outcomes or interact with anesthesia. Human clinical trials are needed before this probiotic can be considered a standard treatment. Always follow your doctor’s pre-operative instructions.