Photobiomodulation on pain and healing process after episiotomy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv9n3-132Keywords:
light therapy, episiorraphy, rehabilitation, pain, healingAbstract
While photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used in clinical practice, there is currently no scientific evidence on its use during the immediate puerperium. Objectives: Verify whether there is evidence supporting an effect of PBM on pain and wound healing after episiotomy. Methodology: A systematic review of six databases was performed. After screening titles and abstracts, full texts were retrieved using Cochrane RoB 2 and the GRADE approach. Results: Six studies were included: isolated PBM versus placebo group (PG; n=4), isolated PBM versus cold compress (n=1), and PBM + cold compress versus cold compress + therapeutic ultrasound (n=1). In the meta-analysis of PBM versus PG for treating perineal pain intensity, no significant results were observed in the period from 30min to 12h after application at three to nine points on the right and left sides of the episiotomy or for PBM versus PG from 20 to 24h and 40 to 72h. There was also no significant improvement in healing after applying PBM versus PG at any of the times analyzed. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate, and the results do not provide sufficient data to confidently recommend the use of PBM in women after episiotomy. Conclusion: PBM, whether isolated or in combination, did not show a significant effect on perineal pain or healing after episiotomy, and the results should be interpreted cautiously until more RCTs are available.
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