Postoperative Ileus in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different postoperative ileus patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Postoperative ileus, commonly referred to as bowel obstruction after surgery or post-surgical gut paralysis, is a condition marked by a temporary halt in the normal bowel movements following surgical operations. This condition can lead to discomfort, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospital stays. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, and an inability to pass gas or stools, reflecting a significant interruption in the gastrointestinal motility.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), postoperative ileus is seen as a Stagnation syndrome where the flow of Qi (energy) and blood through the digestive tract is disrupted or blocked.
TCM suggests that surgery, by its very nature, can cause a shock to the body, leading to a disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang and Body Fluids, and affecting the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. This disruption manifests physically as postoperative ileus. TCM emphasizes the importance of restoring balance and ensuring the free flow of Qi and Blood to treat this condition effectively.
Herbal Formulas for Postoperative Ileus
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address postoperative ileus