• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2024

Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectal wall protrudes outside the anus. While it is a rare condition, it can cause discomfort for patients due to the protrusion of the rectal structure, discharge of mucus and blood, fecal incontinence, constipation, and other inconveniences. In this review, we analyzed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study that used the herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) as a complementary therapy to improve the weaknesses and side effects of the standard treatment, surgical therapy, for rectal prolapse. The analysis included 12 RCT studies, and in all studies, the prescription involved the use of Astragali Radix at the highest dosage. Among the 11 studies that evaluated efficacy, 7 studies showed a significant effect compared to the control group. In all 3 studies that evaluating recurrence rates and all 5 studies investigating complications after surgery, the experimental group showed significant effects. Based on these findings, this study could be considered as a foundational evidence for the application of bojungikgi-tang(Buzhongyiqi-tang) in clinical practice in Korean medicine for patients with rectal prolapse. It could also serve as foundational data for future research.