Current research status of herbal medicine and acupoint therapy applications in perioperative management for colorectal surgery patients

Traditional Chinese medicine offers diverse therapeutic approaches. Current evidence suggests that applying herbal medicine and acupoint therapy to perioperative management of colorectal surgery patients can assist in their surgical treatment and clinical management, including practical applications integrated with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. This review summarizes the current research status of herbal medicine and acupoint therapy applications in perioperative management regarding preoperative bowel preparation, postoperative gastrointestinal function, postoperative nutritional status, postoperative pain, and postoperative complications for colorectal surgery patients, based on relevant literature.