Perioperative Probiotic Supplementation to Reduce Postoperative Infection and Inflammation in Children and Neonates Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal surgery in children and neonates carries high risks of postoperative infections, inflammation, and delayed recovery. Probiotics may help restore gut microbial balance and improve clinical outcomes. This study systematically evaluates the effects of probiotic supplementation on postoperative outcomes in pediatric and neonatal gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: -values. RESULTS: concentrations. Qualitative synthesis indicated improvements in bowel function, immune markers, and growth in selected neonatal populations. CONCLUSIONS: , may reduce postoperative infections and inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery; however, the evidence is based on a limited number of studies and small pooled analyses, and larger well-designed trials are needed to confirm these findings.