A Case Report of Reflux Esophagitis After Gastrectomy due to Gastric Ulcer

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine in the treatment of reflux esophagitis.Methods: A 62-year-old male patient had reflux esophagitis that occurred one year after a proximal gastrectomy for gastric ulcer in 2020. The patient underwent drug treatment in 2021 and inpatient treatment in 2022 at Mokpo Hankook Hospital, but he did not improve. We treated him with Korean medical treatments, including herbal medicines (Pyungjingunbi-tang-gami), acupuncture, and moxibustion. His symptom severity was assessed with a daily visual analog scale (VAS) for heartburn, upper abdomen pain, and acid reflux.Results: After treatment, the patient's symptoms were improved. The severity of heartburn and acid reflux was reduced from VAS 7 to VAS 1, and his upper abdomen pain was improved from VAS 6 to VAS 1. The symptom frequency was also reduced.Conclusion: Korean medicine treatment could be an effective and quick treatment for reflux esophagitis.