Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to understand the effectiveness and safety of using a traditional Chinese medicine called Buzhong Yiqi decoction, alongside surgical treatment, for rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum, which is the last part of the large intestine, slips out of its normal place and sticks out of the anus. Often, surgery alone does not prevent the condition from recurring.

The researchers carried out a thorough search of both English and Chinese medical databases, and also used Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar. They were looking for previous studies that had also investigated the combined use of Buzhong Yiqi decoction and surgery to treat rectal prolapse. They then analyzed all the collected data using a specific software.

The effectiveness and safety of the combination treatment was assessed based on factors like the success rate of the treatment, changes in symptoms, the recurrence rate of the prolapse, and any adverse reactions to the treatment. The study aimed to provide reliable, evidence-based support for using Buzhong Yiqi decoction along with surgery in treating rectal prolapse.

FAQs

  1. What is the traditional Chinese medicine being studied for use in rectal prolapse surgery?
  2. How was the effectiveness and safety of the combination treatment for rectal prolapse determined in the study?
  3. What was the aim of the research study on the use of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in rectal prolapse surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rectal prolapse surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy diet to prevent constipation, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended rectal prolapse surgery are those who have tried conservative treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success. Additionally, patients with severe symptoms such as persistent rectal protrusion, difficulty with bowel movements, and fecal incontinence may also be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual circumstances.

Timeline

Before rectal prolapse surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as a feeling of a bulge or lump sticking out of the anus, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and fecal incontinence. They may have tried conservative treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success.

After rectal prolapse surgery, the patient will undergo a recovery period where they may experience discomfort, pain, and swelling in the anal area. They will need to follow post-operative instructions such as taking pain medication, eating a soft diet, and avoiding strenuous activities. Over time, the patient should see improvements in their symptoms and a reduction in the prolapse recurrence rate.

In the study on the combined use of Buzhong Yiqi decoction and surgery for rectal prolapse, the researchers found that the combination treatment was effective in improving symptoms and reducing the recurrence rate of the prolapse. There were no significant adverse reactions reported, indicating that the treatment was safe for patients. This suggests that using traditional Chinese medicine alongside surgery may be a beneficial approach for managing rectal prolapse.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is rectal prolapse surgery and how does it work?

  2. What is Buzhong Yiqi decoction and how does it complement rectal prolapse surgery?

  3. What are the potential benefits of using Buzhong Yiqi decoction alongside surgery for rectal prolapse?

  4. What are the potential risks or side effects of combining Buzhong Yiqi decoction with surgery for rectal prolapse?

  5. How successful is the combination treatment of Buzhong Yiqi decoction and surgery in treating rectal prolapse?

  6. What are the expected outcomes and recovery time for patients undergoing this combined treatment?

  7. Are there any specific criteria or conditions that make a patient a good candidate for the combination treatment of Buzhong Yiqi decoction and surgery?

  8. How will the effectiveness of the combined treatment be monitored and evaluated throughout the treatment process?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or additional therapies that should be considered alongside the combination treatment for optimal results?

  10. Are there any ongoing research studies or clinical trials investigating the use of Buzhong Yiqi decoction with surgery for rectal prolapse that patients should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Xie Y, Fan Y, Yang C, Wan R, Cheng X, Yang X, Hu Y, Deng C. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Oct 9;99(41):e22732. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022732. PMID: 33031344