Effects of Laser Therapy for Pain and Wound Recovery After Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Evidence regarding laser therapy for acute incisional pain after cesarean section (CS) remains inconclusive, with individual trials reporting inconsistent findings. This study presents the first meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser therapy for postoperative pain following CS. Methods: Five databases were searched through July 2026 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating laser therapy after CS. The primary outcome was pain intensity; secondary outcomes included time to first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption, scar outcomes, maternal prolactin level, and adverse events. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), mean differences (MDs), and risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were pooled using random-effects models. Results: Eight RCTs involving 670 women were included. Laser therapy was associated with significant reduction in postoperative pain at 24 h (SMD: −0.95, 95% CI [−1.35, −0.55], p < 0.001, I2 = 44.27%) and at 48 h (SMD: −0.71, 95% CI [−1.01, −0.41], p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Exploratory analyses suggested a longer time to first analgesic request (MD: 118.05 min, 95% CI [78.37, 157.74], p < 0.001, I2 = 97.10%) and lower total postoperative analgesic consumption (SMD: −2.18, 95% CI [−3.41, −0.96], p < 0.001, I2 = 93.83%) with laser therapy compared with control. However, each analysis included only two trials and demonstrated substantial heterogeneity, limiting confidence in these findings. There were no significant differences in Vancouver Scar Scale scores (p = 0.15), proportion of patients requesting any analgesia (p = 0.11), or adverse events (p = 0.45). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that laser therapy may reduce acute incisional pain and analgesic requirements during the first 48 h after CS. However, substantial heterogeneity and limited evidence preclude conclusive recommendations. Larger, standardized RCTs are required to confirm efficacy, establish optimal treatment protocols, and clarify long-term benefits and safety.