The gut microbiome and postoperative pain

Abstract

Despite recognition of the prevalence of postoperative pain, and improvements in pain management techniques, poorly controlled postoperative pain remains a major unresolved challenge globally. Traditional analgesics and interventions are often ineffective or partially effective in the treatment of postoperative pain, resulting in a chronic pain condition with related socio-economic impacts and reduced quality of life for the patient. The relationship between gut microbiota and neurological diseases, including chronic pain, has received increasing attention. The gut microbiome is a crucial modulator of visceral pain, whereas recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota may also play a critical role in many other types of chronic pain, including inflammatory pain, headache and neuropathic pain.