Analysis of Domestic Clinical Research Trends on Korean Medicine Treatments for Paralytic Ileus

Objectives: This study analyzed recent clinical research trends on Korean medicine interventions for paralytic ileus in Korea and to provide preliminary evidence for future practice and research.Methods: A literature search was conducted across five domestic databases (OASIS, ScienceON, RISS, KISS, KMbase) for studies published between August 2005 and July 2025. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies unrelated to paralytic ileus or Korean medicine, as well as animal studies, pilot studies, and reviews, were excluded.Results: Of the 30 initially identified studies, 18 met the inclusion criteria: 16 case reports or case series and two RCTs. Case studies reported symptomatic improvement, while RCTs suggested a shortened recovery period. However, most studies were small and had limited generalizability.Conclusions: Korean medicine interventions show potential clinical benefits for paralytic ileus, but robust evidence is lacking. Well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and support standardized treatment strategies.