IARS 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant Interview: Asish Subedi, MD

Intraoperative Pain and Its Pathways to Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Cesarean Delivery: A Mediation Analysis

Abstract Presentation:

Poster Session C on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, in Square Dorchester + Place du Canada, Convention Level at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, during the 2026 Annual Meeting, Presented by IARS and SOCCA

Recently, studies have examined the incidence and risk factors of intraoperative pain during neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery. However, Ashish Subedi, MD, has sought to take this research to the next level by investigating the mechanistic pathways linking intraoperative pain to chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), which is currently not fully understood. A faculty member in the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Nepal, Dr. Subedi is exploring how this relationship is mediated both directly and indirectly through postoperative mechanisms, including acute postoperative pain and increased opioid requirements. Recognized with an IARS 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant for his study on “Intraoperative Pain and Its Pathways to Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Cesarean Delivery: A Mediation Analysis,” he is hoping these results will highlight the importance of preventing, recognizing early, and promptly managing intraoperative pain as well as implementing opioid-sparing postoperative analgesic regimens. On Saturday, May 2, at the 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by IARS and SOCCA, Dr. Subedi will reveal how these outcomes may help reduce the risk of CPSP following cesarean delivery. Below, he shares more details of his study, its impact on patient care and how his participation at the IARS Annual Meeting will advance his work in the future.

1. For this research, you are…

Principal Investigator

2. What drew you to this area of research? Has it evolved since your initial research project?

In recent years, studies have examined the incidence and risk factors of intraoperative pain during neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery; however, the mechanistic pathways linking intraoperative pain to chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) remain poorly understood. We found that this relationship is mediated both directly and indirectly through postoperative mechanisms, including acute postoperative pain and increased opioid requirements.

3. What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work with this research project (or projects)?

The findings from our study highlight the importance of preventing, recognizing early, and promptly managing intraoperative pain, as well as implementing opioid-sparing postoperative analgesic regimens, which may help reduce the risk of CPSP following cesarean delivery.

4. What is the potential impact of your research on the field of anesthesia and patient care?

In the field of obstetric anesthesia, elucidating the mechanistic pathways linking intraoperative pain to CPSP shifts the focus from isolated independent risk factors to a more integrated, causal understanding of CPSP.

5. How do you feel about receiving the IARS International Outreach Travel Grant?

I am delighted and truly honored to receive the IARS 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant.

6. How will this grant affect your research and professional trajectory?

This travel grant will provide the opportunity to exchange innovative ideas, explore feasible research models for low-resource settings, and build international collaborations. The opportunity to network with global leaders in anesthesia research will be invaluable in shaping my future research and professional trajectory.

7. What are the benefits of presenting your research at the IARS Annual Meeting?

It will provide a platform to share my findings with a wider audience, increase the visibility of my work, and create opportunities for collaboration and networking.

8. Outside of your research, what might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I come from a country with high mountains and enjoy hiking and trekking, which have helped me develop perseverance and resilience that I apply in my professional and research work.