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World J Gastrointest Surg. Mar 27, 2026; 18(3): 114917
Published online Mar 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i3.114917
Published online Mar 27, 2026. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v18.i3.114917
Integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern surgery: A comprehensive approach to complex anal fistula
Jia Wei, Department of the Hyperbaric Oxygen, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
Ming-Chen Zhang, Yi-Hong Shen, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
Yan Jiao, Ya-Hui Liu, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Yan Jiao and Ya-Hui Liu.
Author contributions: Wei J and Shen YH contributed to the conceptualization and methodology of the study; Zhang MC and Jiao Y contributed to the literature review and drafting of the manuscript; Liu YH supervised the research and provided critical revisions; Jiao Y and Liu YH contributed equally to this manuscript as co-corresponding authors. All authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Ya-Hui Liu, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China. yahui@jlu.edu.cn
Received: October 1, 2025
Revised: November 1, 2025
Accepted: December 8, 2025
Published online: March 27, 2026
Processing time: 177 Days and 11.3 Hours
Revised: November 1, 2025
Accepted: December 8, 2025
Published online: March 27, 2026
Processing time: 177 Days and 11.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: The management of complex anal fistulas requires a comprehensive approach that integrates modern surgical techniques with traditional Chinese medicine. Combining precise anatomical interventions with traditional Chinese medicine’s holistic modulation of inflammation and tissue repair can significantly improve healing rates, reduce recurrence, and preserve anorectal function, ultimately enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.