Archives of Anesthesia and Critical Care · Published 2025-12-19 · DOI 10.18502/aacc.v12i1.20546
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.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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