ObjectiveTo systematically review the prevalence and risk factors of the chronic post-cesarean section pain (CPCSP). MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, CBM, WanFang Data, VIP, and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the prevalence and risk factors of CPCSP from inception to August 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using Stata 15.1 software. ResultsA total of 43 studies involving 12 435 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of CPCSP for 2 to 5 months, 6 to 11 months, and at least 12 months were 19% (95%CI 15% to 23%), 13% (95%CI 9% to 17%), and 8% (95%CI 6% to 10%), respectively. The risk factors included preoperative pain present elsewhere, postoperative severe acute pain, low abdominal transverse incision, non-intrathecal administration of morphine, preoperative anxiety, postpartum depression, etc. ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that the overall prevalence of CPCSP is high. Preoperative pain presents elsewhere, postoperative severe acute pain, low abdominal transverse incision, non-intrathecal administration of morphine, preoperative anxiety and postpartum depression may increase the risk of CPCSP.
