Chinese medicine and the surgeon

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Surgical Adjunct Therapies

Background:

• Despite advancements in surgical techniques and imaging, unsatisfactory outcomes and recurrences remain a challenge.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) presents potential complementary approaches to enhance surgical recovery and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application and benefits of TCM in four specific surgical areas.
• To explore the evidence for TCM in managing low-back pain, chronic ulcers, renal calculus, and childhood enuresis.

Main Methods:

• Extensive literature search of English-language journals over the past 10 years.
• Focused on clinical evidence and key laboratory reports related to the four surgical areas.
• Included studies on acupuncture, herbal supplements, and herbal drinks.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture demonstrated potential benefits for low-back pain and enuresis in children.
• Herbal supplements showed promise in improving the healing of chronic leg ulcers.
• Herbal drinks may supplement conventional treatments for renal stones, aiding in recurrence prevention.

Conclusions:

• TCM, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, offers viable complementary options for specific surgical conditions.
• Surgeons are encouraged to consider TCM as an adjunct therapy, particularly when facing treatment challenges.
• Further research integrating TCM principles into surgical practice could improve patient outcomes.