No abstract

Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a dominantly inherited tumour-prone disorder, characterized by the development of multiple schwannomas, meningiomas and ependymomas. Its prevalence is around 1:60 000. Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the hallmark of NF2. Retroperitoneal schwannomas are expected to occur in only 3% of cases. We present the case of a large retroperitoneal schwannoma in a patient with NF2. A well-circumscribed heterogenic mass (9.5 × 4 × 4 cm) behind and under the left kidney and extending into the left retroperitoneal space was revealed during a lumbar and retroperitoneal space magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain, orbits, cervical, thoracic and lumbar MRI revealed bilateral VS, multiple meningiomas as well as multiple schwannomas and ependymomas in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The retroperitoneal mass represents a schwannoma probably derived from an intercostal nerve. The patient underwent neurosurgical excision of the VS, and 3 months later, the patient's condition remained stable.

Background: Gut microbiota is well-known for its ability to maintain intestinal homeostasis. However, the disruption of this homeostasis, known as dysbiosis, leads to multiple consequences, including local and systemic inflammation. Surgery-induced inflammation is a major concern for patients, as it leads to many infectious and non-infectious complications. Objective: The purpose of this review was to explore the role of probiotics and symbiotics in surgery-induced inflammation and to determine if their use is effective in combatting inflammation and its complications Methods and Materials: A literature search was conducted, and articles published only in English, until December 2022 were included. The results are reported in the form of a narrative review. Results: The perioperative use of probiotics and/or symbiotics results in lower risk of infectious complications, including reduced rates of surgical site infections, respiratory and urinary tract infections, shorter hospital stays, and fewer days of antibiotic administration. It also contributes to reducing non-infectious complications, as it mitigates systemic and local inflammation via maintenance of the intestinal barrier, improves intestinal mobility, and is associated with lower rates of postoperative pain and anastomotic leak. Conclusions: Restoring gut microbiota after disruptions caused by surgery may accelerate local healing processes, attenuate systemic inflammation, and may thus prove beneficial to certain populations.