Abdominal Pain in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Evidence-Based, Multidisciplinary Review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pain Management
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research

Background:

• Abdominal pain significantly impacts patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Despite extensive research, the pathophysiology and evidence-based treatments for IBD-associated abdominal pain remain incompletely understood.
• A gap exists in comprehensive reviews that integrate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management strategies for IBD pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current therapeutic options for managing abdominal pain in IBD.
• To critically evaluate the evidence supporting various medical, surgical, and analgesic treatments for IBD-related abdominal pain.
• To address the confusion surrounding the pathophysiology and treatment of abdominal pain in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing medical literature on IBD abdominal pain management.
• Multidisciplinary team evaluation of pharmacological interventions.
• Assessment of surgical and non-pharmacological (other analgesic) therapeutic evidence.

Main Results:

• Evidence for various medical treatments for IBD abdominal pain was examined.
• Surgical options for pain management in IBD were reviewed.
• Non-pharmacological and other analgesic approaches were evaluated for their efficacy in IBD pain.

Conclusions:

• Current understanding of IBD abdominal pain pathophysiology requires further elucidation.
• A comprehensive, evidence-based approach integrating multiple modalities is needed for optimal pain management in IBD.
• Further research is warranted to clarify treatment efficacy and guide clinical practice for IBD-associated abdominal pain.