A Case Report of a Paralytic Ileus Patient Improved by Korean Medicine

Objective: This study examined a case of paralytic ileus in an adult with abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and epigastric discomfort.Methods: The patient was treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. Treatment progress was evaluated by follow-up monitoring of simple abdominal x-rays and the intensity of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and epigastric discomfort.Results: On the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the levels of abdominal distention decreased from 10 to 1, abdominal pain decreased from 4 to 1, and epigastric discomfort decreased from 10 to 2. On the x-rays, the maximum diameter of the small intestine was reduced from 41 mm to 21.54 mm, and the fecals and gases contained in the large intestine were reduced.Conclusion: Korean medical treatment can effectively relieve abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and epigastric discomfort in paralytic ileus.