O uso das práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde na redução da dor pós-cesárea : uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

According to the study by Betran et al. (2017), when observing a sample of 1,062 women, 92.7% experienced pain in the immediate postoperative period after cesarean section. Given this, it is essential to adopt effective strategies for pain relief, such as Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS). Thus, the question arises: is the use of PICS in the therapeutic management of post-cesarean pain effective? The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of using PICS in reducing post-cesarean pain. This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases, with publications from the last 9 years. Studies with postpartum women who underwent cesarean section were selected according to selection and exclusion criteria. This study included 16 studies published between 2011 and 2024, with about 94% conducted in Asia. The most evaluated PICS were massage therapy, acupressure, and aromatherapy. All studies indicated a significant reduction in pain with the use of PICS, with 38% showing lower analgesic consumption in the intervention groups. Studies also showed benefits of massage therapy, aromatherapy, and foot reflexology in pain relief after other surgeries. In summary, PICS showed a significant reduction in post-cesarean pain and lower analgesic use. The studies analyzed showed a rapid therapeutic response and, in some cases, prolonged effects, in addition to a reduction in analgesic use in the intervention group. Although the studies are mostly Asian, they indicate potential for application in Brazil, highlighting the importance of expanding national research and incorporating these practices into post-surgical care.