Can anal fistula be cured by traditional Chinese medicine?

From a clinical perspective, the most common symptoms of anal fistula include pus discharge, pain, itching, difficulty in defecation, weight loss, anemia, etc. The best way to treat these phenomena is surgical treatment, but the effect of traditional Chinese medicine treatment is also good. The most common methods include clearing heat and cooling blood, clearing heat and dampness, clearing heat and detoxifying, purging heat and unblocking the bowels, nourishing yin and moistening dryness, replenishing qi and blood, replenishing the middle and replenishing qi, etc. In addition, proper exercise to promote blood circulation will also have good results.

1. Symptoms of anal fistula

1. Pus

It is the main symptom. The amount of pus is related to the length and size of the fistula. New fistulas discharge more pus, and the secretions irritate the skin and cause itching and discomfort. When the external opening is blocked or falsely healed, pus accumulates in the fistula, causing local swelling and pain, and even fever. The symptoms will disappear only after the sealed fistula ruptures.

The main symptom is the discharge of a small amount of purulent, bloody, and mucous secretions from the external opening of the anal fistula. Larger high-position anal fistulas are not controlled by the sphincter because the fistula is located outside the sphincter, and feces and gas are often discharged.

2. Pain

When the fistula is unobstructed and there is no inflammation, there is often no pain, only local swelling and discomfort, which worsens when walking. When the fistula becomes infected or pus is not draining properly and becomes swollen and inflamed, it can cause pain. Internal fistula often causes burning discomfort in the lower rectum and anus, and pain when passing stool.

3. Itching

Because pus constantly stimulates the skin around the anus, it often causes itching, moisture and discomfort around the anus, skin discoloration, and epidermal peeling. Fibrous tissue proliferates and thickens, sometimes forming eczema.

4. Difficult defecation

If a complex anal fistula does not heal for a long time, it may cause the formation of large fibrotic scars or ring-shaped cords around the anorectum, affecting the dilation and closure of the anus, making defecation difficult and causing a feeling of incomplete defecation.

5. Systemic symptoms

During the acute inflammatory period and when complex anal fistulas recur, fever of varying degrees may occur, or long-term chronic wasting symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, and physical weakness.

2. TCM treatment of anal fistula

1. Clear away heat and cool blood

It is suitable for patients with bloody stools caused by blood heat and dry intestines, or internal hemorrhoid bleeding and the initial stage of thrombotic external hemorrhoids. The prescription commonly used for treatment is Liangxue Dihuang Decoction.

2. Clear away heat and dampness

It is suitable for patients with anorectal carbuncle, anal sinusitis and inflammatory external hemorrhoids. The prescriptions commonly used are Bishan Shenshi Decoction and Longdan Xiegan Decoction with modifications for treatment.

3. Clear away heat and detoxify

It is suitable for patients with anorectal carbuncle and internal and external hemorrhoid infection. The prescriptions commonly used are Huanglian Jiedu Decoction and Xianfang Huomingyin with modifications for treatment.

4. Clear away heat and clear the bowels

Suitable for patients with constipation caused by heat and dryness of the colon. The prescription commonly used is Dachengqi Decoction and other modifications for treatment.

5. Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness

Suitable for patients suffering from constipation due to blood deficiency and lack of body fluid. The prescription commonly used is Runchang Decoction, Wuren Decoction or Zengye Decoction with modifications for treatment.

6. Replenish Qi and Blood

It is suitable for patients with insufficient Qi and blood or weak Qi and blood due to long-term illness. The prescriptions commonly used are Shiquan Dabu Decoction and Bazhen Decoction with modifications for treatment.

7. Tonify the middle and replenish qi

It is suitable for children, the elderly or postpartum women, and patients with rectal prolapse or internal hemorrhoids caused by qi deficiency and sinking. The prescription commonly used is Buzhong Yiqi Decoction with modifications for treatment.

8. Nourishing Yin and Clearing Heat

It is suitable for patients with yin deficiency and heat such as anal fistula and hemorrhoids. The prescription commonly used is Qinghao Biejia Decoction with modifications for treatment.

9. Promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis

It is suitable for patients with qi stagnation, blood stasis, and meridian obstruction. The prescription commonly used is Taohong Siwu Decoction with modifications for treatment.

10. Warming Yang and Strengthening the Spleen

It is suitable for patients with bloody stools due to weak spleen yang deficiency or spleen and kidney yang deficiency. The prescription commonly used is Huangtu Decoction with modifications for treatment.