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To evaluate the follow-up efficacy and safety on slow transit constipation (STC) treated with individualized deep puncture at Tianshu (ST 25).One hundred and twenty-eight cases of STC were randomized into a deep puncture group (64 cases), a western medication group (31 cases) and a shallow puncture group (33 cases) at the ratio of 2:1:1. In the deep puncture group, electroacupuncture of deep puncture was applied to bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). The needle was inserted perpendicularly and slowly at the acupoint and went deeply till penetrating the peritoneum, about 20 to 65 mm in depth. In the western medication group, lactulose oral liquid was prescribed for oral administration. In the shallow puncture group, electroacupuncture of shallow puncture was done at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). The needle was inserted perpendicularly and slowly, 5 to 8 mm in depth. The treatment lasted 4 weeks in the three groups and the follow-up visit of 12 weeks and 6 month after treatment was performed respectively. The weekly defecation frequency, patient's satisfaction and safety of deep puncture at Tianshu (ST 25) were assessed before and after treatment in each group.In the deep puncture group, the weekly defecation frequency was (1.79 +/- 1.05) times/week before treatment and was (3.90 +/- 1.43) times/week after 4-week treatment. It was (3.49 +/- 1.46) times/week in 12-week follow-up visit after treatment and was (3.51 +/- 1.42) times/week in 6-month follow-up visit after treatment. In the deep puncture group, the improvements in weekly defecation frequency, patient's satisfaction and short-term efficacy were same as those in the western medication group and the shallow puncture group (all P0.05). The long-term efficacy in follow-up visit was better remarkably than that in the western medication group (P0.05, P0.01). Besides, the combined medication was reduced and no adverse reaction occurred.The individualized deep puncture at Tianshu (ST 25) is effective in the treatment of STC and achieves the satisfactory long-term efficacy. This therapy displays the good effective advantage and deserves to be promoted in clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion therapeutic program as compared with the first-tier line of medication, lactulose oral liquid, recommended at home and abroad, in terms of the evidence-based medicine.

To compare the safety and efficacy of Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and operative procedures for prolapse and hemorrhoids.Ninety-two cases with a diagnosis of hemorrhoids from June 1, 2006 to June 1, 2008 at our hospital were collected and divided into the observation group (A, n = 40) and the control group (B, n = 52). They received Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation and operative procedures for prolapse and hemorrhoids respectively. The efficacy of two groups was compared with regards to efficacy, operative duration, postoperative pain score, postoperative analgesic use, postoperative complications, hospitalization duration, recovery time, total treatment expenditure, patient satisfaction and 1-year follow-up.After treatment, two groups demonstrated similar profiles of efficacy, operative duration, patient satisfaction and the relapsing rate at 1 year. Group A was obviously better than Group B. with regards to recovery time, hospitalization duration and total treatment expenditure. Furthermore the incidence of such complications as postoperative pain, urinary retention, anal bulge, hemorrhage, perianal infections, anal edema and anal fissure was lower.Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation has many advantages, such as safety, effectiveness, less trauma, a quick recovery, less treatment expenditure and a lower incidence of complications. Thus it is worthy of a wider popularization. However, its long-term effect remains to be seen.