Protection on intestinal mucosa barrier during perioperative period of esophageal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Intestinal mucosa plays important roles in digestion, absorption and substance exchange between organism and external environment. Meanwhile, it is the largest immune organ and mucosal barrier, including mechanical, biological and immune barrier. A variety of diseases, especially postoperative complications, are associated with the damage of mucosal barrier. Esophageal cancer surgery is complex and many perioperative factors, especially hypoperfusion and fasting, may affect the integrity of intestinal barrier. Understanding of the mechanism of intestinal barrier (mechanical, biological and immune barrier), the physiological function of probiotics, and the benefit of early enteral nutrition to intestinal barrier are important components to achieve fast recovery after surgery for esophageal cancer.