‘The incidence of postoperative sepsis has increased in the past decades, with the proportion of severe sepsis cases rising to unprecedented levels. Cases of sepsis are noted both after elective and emergency surgeries, but in the cases of elective surgeries, mortality is not respectively affected. Gastrointestinal perforation is the most common surgical condition requiring immediate surgical intervention. More specifically, colonic perforation may cause peritonitis through the spread of bacteria from the intestines, and, therefore, there is a high risk for further bacterial spread via blood flow.”

‘Postoperative sepsis is an emerging issue that can be present as soon as a few hours postoperatively and requires immediate treatment. It may cause severe disease and result in high mortality rates, especially in frail and elderly surgical patients. Bacterial translocation is proposed as a causative factor of postoperative sepsis. This fact suggests that intestinal microbiota combined with altered homeostasis in the intestinal barrier could create a chain of events leading to sepsis, as commensal bacteria translocate to usually sterile tissues. Bacterial translocation has been noted both in laparotomy and in laparoscopic surgeries, with no significant differences regarding incidence. Proper management and early intervention are needed, based on the fundamentals of sepsis treatment. Over the past few years, data regarding novel treatments using probiotics, which assist classic treatments, have been developed.”

Nieves E, Bacterial translocation in abdominal trauma and postoperative infections. J Trauma. 2011 Nov;71(5):1258-61. Free Full Text