The microbiome exerts a remarkable effect on human physiology. The study of the human-
microbiome relationship is a burgeoning field with great potential to improve our
understanding of health and disease. In this review, we address common surgical problems
influenced by the human microbiome and explore what is thus far known about this
relationship. These include inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal neoplasms, and
diverticular disease. We will also discuss the effect of the microbiome on surgical …