OBJECTIVETo compare the therapeutic effects among moxibustion, local hot compress and infrared irradiation on urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation so as to provide the clinical evidences for the promotion and application of moxibustion.

METHODSThe randomized controlled trial method was adopted to divide 60 cases of post-operative urinary retention into moxibustion group, hot compress group and infrared irradiation group, 20 cases in each group. In moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was applied on Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongji (CV 3). In hot compress group, hot compress was applied on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. In infrared irradiation group, MF-C701 multi-source infrared apparatus was used on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. One intervention therapy was administered for the cases of post-operative urinary retention. The efficacy was assessed based on the numbers of urethral catheterization indwelled in 24 h after treatment.

RESULTSThere were 2 cases (10.0%) with urethral catheterization in moxibustion group, 10 cases (50.0%) in hot compress group and 9 cases (45.0%) in infrared irradiation group. The urethral catheterization rate in moxibustion group was lower than that of the other two treatment programs (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion can reduce much effectively the rate of urethral catheterization indwelled for urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation as compared with local hot compress therapy and infrared irradiation on the lower abdomen.