Rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery

BACKGROUND During the perioperative period, the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in improving postoperative rehabilitation. In large-scale hospitals practicing traditional Chinese medicine, there is accumulating experience related to the promotion of fast recovery in the perioperative period. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique. METHODS This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study included two groups: Treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group and control group received Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique and routine treatment, respectively. Clinical observation regarding postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function was performed, including the times to first passage of flatus, first defecation, and first normal bowel sounds. The comparison between groups was conducted through descriptive analysis, chi(2), t, F, and rank-sum tests. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the time to postoperative first defecation between the treatment and control group (87.16 32.09 vs 109.79 +/- 40.25 h, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the time to initial recovery of bowel sounds in the treatment group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (61.17 +/- 26.75 vs 79.19 +/- 33.35 h, respectively; P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the time to initial exhaust between the treatment and control groups (51.54 +/- 23.66 vs 62.24 +/- 25.95 h, respectively; P > 0.05). The hospitalization expenses for the two groups of patients were 62283.45 +/- 12413.90 and 62059.42 +/- 11350.51 yuan, respectively. Although the cost of hospitalization was decreased in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). This clinical trial was safe without reports of any adverse reaction or event. CONCLUSION The rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function and is significantly better than standard approach for patients after colorectal surgery.