Compromised Intestinal Integrity is Associated with Increased Postoperative Complications in Cancer Patients

In this study, it was found that compromised intestinal integrity during oncologic surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in cancer patients. The gut wall becomes more permeable due to splanchnic hypoperfusion, allowing intraluminal microbes to enter the splanchnic circulation and potentially contribute to complications. Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-fabp) was used as a marker for intestinal integrity, and its levels were found to increase significantly postoperatively. Older age and longer anesthesia time were related to a stronger increase in i-fabp levels, and patients who experienced complications had a greater increase in i-fabp compared to those who did not have complications.