| Theme |
Kampo Medicine : New Trends in GI Therapoitics |
| Title |
Kampo Therapy for Intractable Constipation |
| Author |
Tohru Ose |
2nd Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Etsuo Hoshino |
2nd Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Intractable constipation is defined as functional constipation which is difficult to treat with diet, exercise or drug therapy. Because patients with this disease entity have already been treated in vain with Rhubarb or Senna products, Daio-kanzo-to is usually not effective. The effective Kampo formulas for intractable constipation include Mashi-nin-gan for elderly patients or those with a weak constitution, Joki-to for patients with abdominal distension, and Shashin-to for mentally irritated patients. Patients with an elongated colon for whom every medical intervention, including Kampo medicine, is ineffective should consult a surgeon regarding partial colon resection. |