Traditional Chinese medicine-based nonpharmacological interventions for gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal cancer surgery: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction is a common complication after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery that delays recovery and prolongs hospitalization.Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)based nonpharmacological interventions have been increasingly used to facilitate postoperative gastrointestinal recovery, their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain.AIM To compare TCM-based nonpharmacological interventions for gastrointestinal recovery after CRC surgery.highlight priorities for future adequately powered, direct head-tohead trials rather than supporting the selection of a preferred intervention for routine clinical practice.