Incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors' conclusion
The incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after caesarean delivery falls between 3 and 12 months, appears to be stable over time and appears to be lower in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
Study context
- Population
- Women after caesarean delivery48 studies
- Outcome
- Incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after caesarean delivery
- Follow-up
- 3, 6 and 12 months
Methodological detailssubgroup analyses
- Subgroup analyses
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Pooled incidence of chronic postsurgical pain
Pooled incidence at 3 months
15.2%
95%CI 12.2–18.6%, I2 = 94%
Pooled incidence at 6 months
9.5%
95%CI 7.0–12.8%, I2 = 93%
Pooled incidence at 12 months
5.0%
95%CI 2.7–9.1%, I2 = 96%
Further pooled results
Incidence by country income (subgroup)
- 6 months: low- and middle-income vs high-income countries (p = 0.028)
- 6.8% vs. 12.3%
- 12 months: low- and middle-income vs high-income countries (p < 0.001)
- 1.3% vs. 7.6%
Other subgroups (study design quality, year of publication, intrathecal morphine)
- Incidence did not differ significantly
Pain characteristics
- Most women with chronic pain had mild or moderate pain; some had a neuropathic pain component
Original publication
Incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Anaesthesia. Published 11 March 2025. doi:10.
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