Effects of Abdominal Binders on Postoperative Pain and Functional Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of abdominal binders (ABs) on postoperative pain and functional recovery in patients receiving abdominal surgery. Methods. The Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched for clinical trials published up to November 30, 2019. Randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of wearing an AB to not wearing an AB in participants after abdominal surgery were included. The primary outcomes were pain, pulmonary function, and physical function, as assessed by the visual analog scale score, a spirometry device, and the 6-minute walk test, respectively. The registration number of this review in PROSPERO is CRD42020165303. Results. Fourteen trials involving 1,317 participants were included. Pooled estimates for the visual analog scale score and the 6-minute walk test showed significant differences between the AB group and the control group, especially on the fourth day following surgery (mean difference [MD] = -2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.41 to -2.22; P<0.00001; MD = 50.97meters, 95% CI = 39.99-61.95m; P<0.00001). However, no significant differences were found in pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC]: MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.29 to -0.32; P=0.94; forced expiratory volume during the first second [FEV1]: MD = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.24 to 0.14; P=0.63; FEV1/FVC: MD = 3.14, 95% CI = -2.78 to 9.06; P=0.30). Conclusion. ABs probably improve postoperative pain and physical function, especially on the fourth day or more following abdominal surgery, but they have no effects on pulmonary function.