Complementary medicine for pain management after anal fistula surgery: a case report

Background: An anal fistula is defined as an abnormal tract between the anal canal and the perianal skin. There are established criteria for surgical intervention in cases of anal fistula. While surgery is generally effective, potential side effects may include incontinence, infection, and pain. Pain relief strategies can be either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic. Complementary medicine has shown potential therapeutic effects in managing symptoms of the disease. This article explores the effects of herbal and complementary medicine on postoperative pain associated with anal fistula. Case Summary: The patient was a ۴۸-year-old man presenting with chronic pain in the anal region and buttocks following fistula surgery. He was open to being treated with alternative medicine. In addition to herbal treatments, therapeutic procedures such as leech therapy and cupping were employed. After two months, the patient reported a reduction in pain intensity from ۸ to ۲, as measured on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Conclusion: In terms of complementary medicine for symptom management, leech therapy and cupping may be considered as potential options for pain relief. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to better define the role of each intervention and medication.

کلیدواژه ها:

rectal fistula ، pain ، complementary medicine ، case report