Relationship between diet and postoperative pain: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pain Management
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Poorly controlled postoperative pain can lead to persistent post-surgical pain.
• Diet-influenced inflammation is a key factor in pain sensitivity and chronic pain.
• The impact of diet on acute postoperative pain is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on diet's effect on acute post-surgical pain.
• To identify research gaps concerning diet and postoperative pain.
• To explore potential dietary interventions for pain management.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search (2000-present) in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane.
• Included human and animal studies using keywords: diet, inflammation, post-surgical pain.
• Scoping review methodology to collate and analyze data.

Main Results:

• Limited human studies exist on diet and acute postoperative pain.
• Polyamime-deficient and immunonutrition diets show potential benefits for postoperative pain.
• Animal studies suggest intermittent fasting may help, while high-fat diets may worsen pain.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests diet can modulate acute postoperative pain.
• Mechanisms include N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulation and reduced inflammation.
• Further human studies are crucial to confirm effects across diverse surgical populations.