Mindfulness interventions show promise in reducing perioperative pain and opioid use, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improve outcomes following surgery. Evidence suggests that brief mindfulness sessions preoperatively can alleviate pain and anxiety, while more extensive interventions postoperatively may help patients with persistent pain or prolonged opioid use. Understanding the psychophysiological mechanisms behind mindfulness is essential for enhancing pain management strategies.
Journal Article by Roberts RL, Hanley AW and Garland EL in Am Surg