Insights & Discussion
Acupuncture shows promise in treating postcholecystectomy syndrome.
Acupuncture may offer relief for Postcholecystectomy Syndrome (PCS), as revealed by a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 1593 participants. While acupuncture combined with conventional medicine didn't significantly reduce pain, it significantly lowered postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence and improved gastrointestinal recovery compared to conventional medicine alone. However, the study acknowledges the limitations of included RCTs, including small sample sizes and low methodological quality. Further high-quality trials conforming to standardized reporting are needed to validate these findings. Adverse events related to acupuncture were reported as mild and acceptable. Further research is crucial for definitive conclusions regarding acupuncture's efficacy for PCS.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine shows promise in preventing cholelithiasis recurrence post lithotripsy
2021 Annals of Palliative Medicine Systematic review and pathway enrichment analysis of Chinese medicine in preventing recurrence and improving prognosis of cholelithiasis after gallbladder-preserving lithotripsy Li B, Lin Y, Nie B, Zhao G, Zhang X, Zhu M, et al.
Systematic Review Gallstones
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may enhance prognosis for cholelithiasis patients following gallbladder-preserving lithotripsy. This systematic review analyzed TCM's efficacy and safety in this context, along with functional pathway enrichment analysis of TCM target genes. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 926 participants were included. Meta-analysis indicated TCM reduced cholelithiasis recurrence, complications, gallbladder wall thickness, and contraction degree. No significant adverse reactions were noted. The study suggested that TCM, particularly the flavonoid glycoside naringin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, could be beneficial post-gallbladder-preserving lithotripsy, but further high-quality RCTs are needed for a conclusive assessment.
Acupuncture is shown to be a beneficial supplementary treatment for chronic abdominal pain, improving patients' quality of life and cutting healthcare costs.
2021 Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain Berger AA, Liu Y, Jin K, Kaneb A, Welschmeyer A, Cornett EM, et al.
Review Article Abdominal Pain Gallstones Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The research explores the utilization of acupuncture to treat chronic abdominal pain, a condition widespread and chiefly affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This type of pain is defined by three episodes of severe abdominal pain over a span of three months. While its causes are still being looked into, it is believed to be an outcome of the chronicity of acute pain or chronic pain syndromes. A wide array of treatments for these conditions exist but often fall short of fully controlling the symptoms. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine based on the concept of rebalancing the patient's Qi, or Ying/Yang balance, is being investigated as a complementary method.
In terms of results, acupuncture has proven effective in providing additional alleviation of symptoms, leading to improved quality of life and reduced disability for patients affected by chronic abdominal pain. While it's not a curative solution, it aids in minimizing symptoms and enhancing overall life quality. It is also considered a safe and inexpensive alternative that may result in significant healthcare savings. Notably, it's not recommended for all patients; its benefits seem to be more pronounced in a select group.
Acupuncture has shown promise as a complementary approach in treating chronic abdominal pain, providing symptom relief and improving quality of life.
2021 Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain Berger AA, Liu Y, Jin K, Kaneb A, Welschmeyer A, Cornett EM, et al.
Review Article Abdominal Pain Gallstones Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The methodology revolves around applying acupuncture, a form of integrative medicine from traditional Chinese medicine, to patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain. This pain is defined as having three severe abdominal pain instances over three months, often caused by chronic acute pain or chronic pain syndromes, primarily IBS and IBD. Despite existing treatments, these often fail to control the symptoms completely, leaving room for complementary methods like acupuncture. This practice is based on rebalancing a patient's Qi, or Ying/Yang balance, previously shown effective in treating various conditions.
The results reveal that acupuncture can serve as a crucial adjunct in managing chronic abdominal pain. It is not a cure, but it significantly aids in symptom reduction and quality of life improvement. Particularly for those affected by IBS and IBD, acupuncture offers extra relief from lingering symptoms, thereby improving quality of life, decreasing disability, and potentially contributing to healthcare cost savings. Acupuncture has emerged as a safe, inexpensive, and beneficial approach for selected patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain.
Chinese herbal compounds can potentially treat cholelithiasis by improving biliary dynamics, protecting liver function, reducing cholesterol, and managing inflammation.
2019 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mechanisms Underlying the Prevention and Treatment of Cholelithiasis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine Chen Q, Zhang Y, Li S, Chen S, Lin X, Li C, et al.
Review Article Chinese Medicine Gallstones Mechanism
In this research, various commonly used Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) were assessed for their application in treating cholelithiasis. The investigation centered around understanding the mechanism through which these CHCs work. Critical to this understanding was the analysis of how CHCs influence biliary dynamics, liver functionalities, the levels of cholesterol and bilirubin, as well as the regulation of inflammatory responses.
Following this evaluation, it was discovered that traditional Chinese medicine-based treatments such as CHCs are effective in improving overall bodily functions. This enhancement of bodily function is integral in preventing the recurrence of cholelithiasis. The results point towards the possibility of the effective use of CHCs for patients with cholelithiasis, offering further choices in treatment besides merely surgical or medication options.