Gut microbiota and neurosurgery: understanding the gut-brain axis in postoperative recovery

• Author Details:   
• Vanshita Patel
• Ashish P Jain ^*
• Vaidehi Mehta

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The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in postoperative recovery, particularly in the context of neurosurgery, where neuroinflammation and cognitive function are critical for patient outcomes. This complex bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system is influenced by gut microbiota, which modulates neuroinflammation through short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other metabolites. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut microbiota, can exacerbate neuroinflammatory responses and contribute to cognitive decline in surgical patients. Studies have demonstrated that maintaining gut health can enhance cognitive recovery and overall postoperative outcomes through the modulation of immune responses and neuroinflammatory pathways. Furthermore, nutritional interventions, including probiotics and prebiotics, have shown potential in optimizing microbiota composition to improve surgical recovery and cognitive function. This review article aims to elaborate on the intricate relationships among gut health, microbiota, and neurosurgical outcomes while exploring current scenarios, the role of nutritional supplements, and strategies to optimize postoperative recovery through gut microbiota modulation. Future directions in this field promise to unveil novel therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome to improve neurosurgical outcomes and cognitive recovery.

Keywords: Gut microbiota, Gut-brain axis, Neuroinflammation, Neurosurgery, Postoperative recovery, Nutritional supplements