Use of Probiotics and Synbiotics in the Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Metabolic bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for severe obesity, however it may be associated with the development of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and other gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS). This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of probiotics or synbiotics on GIS and SIBO in post- metabolic bariatric surgery patients. Five studies that investigated the effect of probiotics or synbiotics in the treatment of post-surgery GIS were included in the review, with three focusing on SIBO. For the meta-analysis, three studies assessed GIS, and two examined SIBO. The results showed that probiotics did not offer significant benefits in treating GIS or SIBO in these patients.