The Association of Gut Microbiome with Anesthesia Outcomes, Pain Management, and Patient Recovery

Masoomeh Tabari; Soheila Milani; Malihe Aghasizadeh

doi:10.18502/aacc.v12i1.20546

Masoomeh Tabari Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Soheila Milani Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Malihe Aghasizadeh Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v12i1.20546

Keywords: Anesthesiology; Pain management; Postoperative

Abstract

Background: The gut microbiome has emerged as a notable factor in the field of anesthesiology. It affects different dimensions of anesthesia outcomes, pain control, and recovery following the surgery. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between gut microbiota and anesthetic methods is imperative for improving patient care.

Methods: This narrative review synthesizes existing scholarly literature on the interactions between gut microbiota and anesthetic agents, examining their implications for drug metabolism, inflammatory responses, and the gut-brain axis.

Results: It highlights clinical trials that explore the effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics in reinstating microbial equilibrium and augmenting surgical outcomes. A study indicates that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome can notably influence the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of anesthetic agents. So, there are effects on dosage regimens and strategies for controlling postoperative pain. An equilibrated microbiome has been demonstrated to enhance anti-inflammatory mechanisms and bolster immune function; thus, it promotes an optimal recovery trajectory. Also, the gut-brain axis suggests that microbiome profiles may serve as predictors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction and pain perception.

Conclusion: This review emphasizes the relevance of the gut microbiome within anesthesiology and advocates for the adoption of personalized anesthetic approaches that consider individual microbiome characteristics. Prospective research in this field holds significant potential for the development of innovative perioperative care strategies. It may enhance recovery and mitigate complications associated with surgical procedures.