Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery
Published on: June 23, 2023
Pharmacological Therapies for Bowel Dysfunction After Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review
Alimohammad Bananzadeh1,2, Seyed Matin Emami1,3, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Tadayon1,4
1Colorectal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Introduction:
Bowel dysfunction frequently occurs in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients following sphincter-preserving surgeries. This review systematically evaluated the evidence on pharmacological therapies for this complication.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in November 2024. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies examining the effects of conventional pharmacological therapies and herbal medicine on stable CRC patients with post-surgical bowel dysfunction were included.
Results:
Among 8,989 retrieved records, eight studies were eligible. These investigated the effects of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonists (n=3), herbal medicines (n=2, specifically Daikenchuto and modified Baizhu Shaoyao San), diazepam (n=1), Botulinum A toxin injection (n=1), and topical phenylephrine (n=1). Except for phenylephrine, interventions showed varying improvements in stool frequency, incontinence, urgency, or quality of life. Most of the included studies exhibited a high risk of bias.
Conclusion:
Some interventions appear promising; however, the current evidence is insufficient to guide clinical practice. This review highlights a significant evidence gap and underscores the urgent need for large-scale, rigorous randomized controlled trials to establish definitive therapeutic strategies for this debilitating condition.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...