OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects on incomplete intestinal obstruction treated with the adjuvant therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion.

METHODSUsing the retrospective analysis, 80 patients of incomplete intestinal obstruction were divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. In the control group, the routine treatment was given, such as fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, parenteral nutrition, infection prevention with antibiotics and enema laxative. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39); moxibustion was used at left Yangchi (TE 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The treatment was given once a day, 30 min each time. The average days of treatment, the surgical transfer rate, the time to first flatus, the recovery time of defecation and the time of solid food intake were observed in the patients of the two groups.

RESULTSThe average days of treatment in the observation group was obviously less than that in the control group (<0.05). The surgical transfer rate in the observation group was obviously lower than that in the control group (<0.05). The time to first flatus, the recovery time of defecation and the time of solid food intake were all obviously earlier than those in the control group (all <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe adjuvant therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion achieves the significant therapeutic effects on incomplete intestinal obstruction, shortens the treatment duration and reduces the surgical transfer rate and the patient's economic burden.