Microflora and Bacterial Translocation in Intestinal Obstruction

Small bowel obstruction is a common condition that in most cases can be managed either conservatively or with minor surgical intervention, allowing rapid recovery and discharge. However, protracted obstruction may lead to local as well as systemic consequences, impaired intestinal barrier and bacterial translocation. The gut microbiota thus has a crucial impact on the outcome in case of intestinal obstruction. Bacterial translocation and systemic spread of endotoxins contribute to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and, subsequently, organ dysfunction.

Most efforts to improve outcomes for patients with intestinal obstruction have traditionally been focused on assessing the severity and duration of the mechanical obstruction, interpretation of imaging diagnostics, decision on surgical intervention and rapid restoration of the intestinal continuity. Understanding the gut barrier function and how the microbiota interferes with the human organs has only recently gained attention as fundamental factors influencing the clinical outcome in patients with intestinal obstruction.

The research topic covers aspects of bacterial translocation in intestinal obstruction, the impact of microbiota on intestinal obstruction's pathogenesis and the intestinal barrier's response to intestinal obstruction. Manuscripts with translational focus are given high priority, but any original research or reviews related to microbiota and intestinal obstruction are welcome.

Submissions about intestinal obstruction and the following aspects are welcome:

• Microbiota
• Intestinal microflora
• Sepsis
• Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
• Antibiotic treatment
• Gut barrier
• Bacterial translocation