The use of Chinese herbs in abdominal surgery in obstetrics and gynaecology.

In the China Medical College in Laioning Province in north-east China 760 kilometres from Peking, obstetric and gynaecological patients were treated using a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Over many years of practice and experience, Chinese medical workers concluded that certain herbs have significant antibiotic properties whilst others cause contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus and intestine. A selection of these Chinese herbs has been made into decoctions and injections for use after surgery. The aim of this paper is to describe the effects of post-operative therapy with Chinese herbs in obstetric and gynaecological surgery especially in the prevention of infection and flatulent distension.