Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the conservative management of complete small intestinal obstruction post-gastric cancer surgery: A case report

Abstract

In this case report, we describe the successful treatment of a patient with complete small bowel obstruction following gastric cancer surgery, employing an integrated approach of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Initial treatment consisted of conventional biomedical interventions, including intestinal obstruction catheterization, but after 16 days without improvement, surgical intervention was recommended. The patient, however, refused surgery and opted for treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine. Comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, flash cupping, oral administration of compound herbal formulas, and enemas using Chinese herbal medicine were implemented alongside modern medical care. The obstruction resolved, and the patient was discharged without requiring surgery. Follow-up revealed no recurrence of the condition. This case highlights the potential of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medical practices in the conservative management of complete small bowel obstruction, offering a reference for clinical application.