Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
In Vivo Chronic Two-Photon Imaging of Microglia in the Mouse Hippocampus
Published on: July 6, 2022
[Kampo medicine in the pediatric surgical field]
Minoru Yagi1, Hideaki Egami, Shinji Ishii
1Departments of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Insights
Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese practice, shows superior results in pediatric surgical patients. Specific Kampo formulas effectively treat postoperative gastrointestinal issues, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Kampo medicine, with a 4,000-year history, is increasingly utilized in pediatric surgery.
- Its application in pediatric surgical care has gained traction over the past 30 years.
- Specific Kampo formulas are now standard for various postoperative pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of Kampo formulas in pediatric surgical patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Kampo medicine in managing postoperative gastrointestinal anomalies and diseases.
- To assess Kampo treatments based on evidence-based medicine, clinical experience, and experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature and clinical data on Kampo medicine use in pediatric surgery.
- Analysis of specific Kampo formulas (Rikkunshito, Bukuryouin-Gou-Hangekoubokuto, Daikenchuto, Inchinkoto, Hainosankyuto) for distinct postoperative conditions.
- Comparison of outcomes between pediatric patients receiving Kampo treatment and those who did not.
Main Results:
- Kampo formulas Rikkunshito and Bukuryouin-Gou-Hangekoubokuto are used for upper gastrointestinal surgery recovery.
- Daikenchuto is indicated for postoperative colorectal surgery patients.
- Inchinkoto and Hainosankyuto are employed for biliary atresia and periproctal abscess, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Kampo medicine demonstrates superior outcomes compared to non-Kampo approaches in postoperative pediatric surgical patients.
- Evidence-based review supports the use of specific Kampo formulas for targeted gastrointestinal conditions.
- Kampo treatments offer a valuable therapeutic option for improving recovery in pediatric surgical care.
Abstract:
Kampo medicine has been used for over 4,000 years. Recently, some Kampo formulas have been prescribed for postoperative pediatric patients with gastrointestinal anomalies and disease. However, it has been only 30 years since Kampo medicine has been widely used in the pediatric surgical field. Some of the principal Kampo formulas used for daily treatment in the pediatric surgical field are: Rikkunshito and Bukuryouin-Gou-Hangekoubokuto for patients after upper gastrointestinal surgery; Daikenchuto for patients after colorectal surgery; Inchinkoto for postoperative patients with biliary atresia; and Hainosankyuto for periproctal abscess. Kampo formulas according to the postoperative condition are reviewed from the viewpoint of evidence-based medicine, our experience, and experiments. The results of the Kampo treatments listed above were superior to the results when a Kampo formula was not administered in pediatric patients postoperatively.
