The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine (대한한방내과학회지)

The Society of Internal Korean Medicine (대한한방내과학회)
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Chronic Levator Ani Syndrome Treated with Traditional Korean Medicine: A Case Report

만성적인 항문거근증후군 치료 사례

  • Chang-Gue Son (Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dae-jeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University)
  • 손창규 (대전대학교 한방병원 간-면역연구센터)
  • Received : 2024.03.07
  • Accepted : 2024.04.01
  • Published : 2024.03.30
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Abstract

This case report highlights the efficacy of traditional Korean medicine in treating chronic levator ani syndrome. A 47-year-old male suffered from chronic anorectal pain for 14 years. Over the last 5 months, the severity and frequency of the pain increased, and he was unresponsive to Western medicine and acupuncture outside Korea. The patient reported moderate anorectal pain from early morning until midday, affecting daily efficiency and concentration. The pain was triggered by defecation and alleviated by lying down. He was diagnosed with levator ani syndrome related to "cold symptoms of the liver and kidney - Yin", for which modified Nangan-jeon was prescribed. Indirect moxibustion (CV4, Ki1), Aconitum ciliare Decaisne pharmacopuncture (GV1, BL33), and acupuncture (HT7, ST36, SP6, LR3, LI4) were also administered weekly. After 8 weeks, the anorectal pain decreased by 2 points on a numeric rating scale, leading to patient satisfaction and return to his home country.

목적: 본 연구는 임상에서 종종 마주치는 만성적이고 낫지 않는 항문거근증후군 환자의 한의학적 치료 유용성을 공유하고자 한다. 방법: 14년 전에 치질수술 후에 발생한 항문통증이 개선되지 않고 지속되어 고통스러웠던 47세 남자 환자의 병력과 한의학적 치료 후의 임상적 개선과정을 자세히 제시하였다. 결과: 환자는 평소 건강하였는데, 치질수술 후에 대변을 보면 시작되는 항문통이 발생하였으며, 경우에 따라서는 오전 내내 불편함이 지속되었다. 14년 동안 종종 줄어들기도 하였지만 점진적으로 심해지는 경과를 보였고, 특히 1년 전부터는 더욱 심해졌으나 다양한 치료에도 호전이 없었다. 외국에 거주하는 이유로 한국에 방문하는 기회에 본원에서 한의학적 변증 하에 한약치료 및 약침을 포함하는 침치료와 뜸 치료 후 빠르게 호전되었다. 8주 정도의 치료 후에 NRS 2로 개선되어 만족한 상태로 출국하였다. 결론: 본 증례는 특별한 치료법이 부재하는 만성적이거나 혹은 난치성 항문거근증후군에 대하여 한의학적 치료법이 하나의 훌륭한 치료법일 수 있음을 보여주는 임상 예로서 의미가 있다고 하겠다.

Keywords

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