Effects of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet on Inflammatory and Neuroendocrine Responses After Lumbar Discectomy

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of pre-operative nutritional status and post-operative dietary interventions on inflammation, pain, and recovery in adults undergoing lumbar disc surgery. Participants were planned to undergo nutritional assessment before surgery and receive either an individualized anti-inflammatory diet or a standard balanced diet after surgery. Dietary intake was monitored over a four-week postoperative period. The study evaluated whether an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention can reduce postoperative inflammation, pain, and complications compared with a standard diet. It also examined the relationship between pre-operative nutritional status and post-operative recovery of the patients. The findings may help improve nutritional assessment and dietary management in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled to undergo primary single-level lumbar discectomy aged 19-64 years. Exclusion Criteria: * History of malignancy or neuroendocrine tumors. * Presence of chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease). * Active infection. * Gastrointestinal diseases. * Metabolic diseases. * Undergoing multilevel spinal surgery. * Pregnancy or lactation. * Use of medications that may affect chromogranin A (CgA) levels or inflammatory responses, including high-dose corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole).