The effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background Abdominal binder is a non‐pharmacological method of relieving pain after surgical procedures. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain and distress scores after cesarean delivery (CD). Search strategy The following terms were searched: cesarean section, cesarean, caesarean, abdominal deliveries, C‐section, abdominal delivery, abdominal binding, binder, and abdominal binder. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with patients undergoing CD receiving an abdominal binder compared with non‐users of the abdominal binder. Data collection and analysis Five electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Records were screened for eligibility. Data were extracted independently and analyzed. The main outcomes were pain and distress scores. Results The final analysis included six RCTs. Overall effect estimate favored the abdominal binder group over the control group in the following outcomes: VAS pain scores after 24 h (mean difference [MD] −1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.14 to −0.39; P = 0.01), VAS scores after 48 h (MD −1.21; 95% CI −1.51 to −0.90; P < 0.001), distress score after 24 h (MD −1.87; 95% CI −3.01 to −0.73; P = 0.001), and distress score after 48 h (MD −1.87; 95% CI −3.07 to −0.67; P = 0.002). Conclusion The abdominal binder could be an effective, simple, non‐pharmacological option of relieving pain and distress after CD.

Efficacy of Single Wound Infiltration With Bupivacaine and Adrenaline During Cesarean Delivery for Reduction of Postoperative Pain

“…23,[26][27][28] Several analgesic methods, both pharmacological and nonpharmacological, may be used for pain management after cesarean delivery. Nonpharmacological methods, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation 29 and abdominal binder, 30 are noninvasive and appear to be safe.…”

“…Several analgesic methods, both pharmacological and nonpharmacological, may be used for pain management after cesarean delivery. Nonpharmacological methods, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation 29 and abdominal binder, 30 are noninvasive and appear to be safe. Nevertheless, their efficacy is uncertain, and there is more evidence to support the efficacy of pharmacological methods.…”

Initiating Occupational and Physical Therapy in the Hospital After Birth: Access, Reimbursement, and Outcomes

“…Teaching breath control has the benefits of improving lung clearance, chest wall mobility, lung expansion, and diaphragm strengthening 49. Using an abdominal binder in the immediate postpartum period helps facilitate activation of the diaphragm and provide external pressure to the abdomen, which aids in lung clearance and respiratory function, as well as provide the necessary support and protection to a cesarean incision, if present 50,51…”

“…Conservative pain management in the early postpartum period enables functional mobility with less dependence on medications. Rehabilitation interventions that reduce pain include downregulation via breathing, intra-abdominal pressure management during mobility, modified body mechanics and positioning, and proper use of abdominal binders 48,51,56,57. Nonpharmacological interventions are used in conjunction with medication schedules overseen by nursing staff and are utilized by patients throughout their hospital and home recovery to improve self-management of pain control.…”

“…49 Using an abdominal binder in the immediate postpartum period helps facilitate activation of the diaphragm and provide external pressure to the abdomen, which aids in lung clearance and respiratory function, as well as provide the necessary support and protection to a cesarean incision, if present. 50,51 Comprehensive Activity Progression Acute care physical and occupational therapists routinely provide comprehensive activity progression for other inpatient admissions. These same interventions are accessible to postpartum patients to optimize pain management, recovery of the pelvic floor with activity, and protection of perineal lacerations or cesarean incisions with mobility.…”