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World J Gastrointest Surg. Feb 27, 2026; 18(2): 114639
Published online Feb 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i2.114639
Published online Feb 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i2.114639
Integrating traditional Chinese medicine in anal fistula surgery: A step forward in holistic patient care
Yu-Xing Liu, Department of General Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China
Chen-Ming Liu, Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
Chen-Ming Liu, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing 100050, China
Author contributions: Liu YX contributed to conceptualization and original draft preparation; Liu YX and Liu CM overseeing supervision, review, editing, and project administration. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Chen-Ming Liu, Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China. lcm945256445@163.com
Received: September 24, 2025
Revised: October 31, 2025
Accepted: December 10, 2025
Published online: February 27, 2026
Processing time: 154 Days and 23.3 Hours
Revised: October 31, 2025
Accepted: December 10, 2025
Published online: February 27, 2026
Processing time: 154 Days and 23.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This commentary discusses the study by Liu et al, which provides evidence for integrating traditional Chinese medicine with surgery in complex anal fistula management. We emphasize how this approach aligns with holistic care principles, addressing both anatomical defects and underlying inflammatory and regenerative processes. While the study’s retrospective design limits causal inference, it highlights the potential of integrative strategies to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, paving the way for future randomized trials to standardize protocols and validate efficacy.