Evidence-based guideline on chronic postsurgical pain management in adult patients in resource-restricted setting, 2023: systematic review and guideline

BACKGROUND: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after tissue trauma is frequent and may have a long-lasting impact on the functioning and quality of life. The development of CPSP increases the burden on both the patient and the community. This review aims to systematically review articles and, lastly, pull an evidence-based guideline for CPSP management in adult patients in resource-limited areas. METHODOLOGY: The review was reported based on preferred reporting items for the systemic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol. A literature search was conducted from the Cochrane, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar databases, and other gray literature from 2010 to 2022. The conclusion was made based on the level of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 3521 articles were identified through the database by searching strategies. Finally, by filtering duplicates unrelated to the topics, 22 articles (9 meta-analyses and systematic reviews, 12 systematic reviews, and one cohort study) were selected on the management of CPSP in adult patients. Filtering was made based on the intervention, outcome data of the population, and methodological quality. CONCLUSION: Given the complexity and multidimensional nature of chronic postsurgical pain, effective assessment, and management require a comprehensive, multiaxial approach. Adequate preoperative preparation and counseling, potential risk identification and optimization, and use of a multimodal approach, and noninvasive surgical techniques are crucial in reducing the development of chronic postsurgical pain.