Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhoids are common complications in women after childbirth, with an incidence rate of 37.9%. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, which can lead to constipation. Abdominal pressure surges sharply during delivery, which can block the venous return of the rectum and result in hemorrhoids, pain, and edema. Tongyangxiao lotion and Ziyu ointment, traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, have the efficacy of subduing swelling, relieving itching, and promoting healing; however, their combined application in treating postpartum hemorrhoids is less studied. AIM: To investigate effects of Tongyangxiao lotion sitz bath therapy combined with Ziyu ointment on postpartum hemorrhoidal pain, edema, anxiety, and depression. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted at Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine on 268 patients with hemorrhoids (September 2023 to February 2025). They were divided according to treatment method into control (wet compress with magnesium sulfate + Ziyu ointment) and observation (Tongyangxiao lotion sitz bath therapy + Ziyu ointment) groups (n = 134 in each group). Degree of pain, comfort level, compliance behavior with medical care, psychological state, therapeutic effect, hemorrhoid edema score, incidence of adverse reactions, and hemorrhoid diameter were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in the diameter of the hemorrhoids or edema between the two groups before treatment. Hemorrhoid diameter and degree of edema were significantly smaller in the observation group than those in the control group 14 days post treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed in the scores of the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ) dimensions and participants' compliance before treatment. All GCQ dimension scores were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group 7 and 14 days post treatment. The compliance rate was significantly higher in the observation group than that of the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tongyangxiao lotion combined with Ziyu ointment can improve patients' surface edema, postpartum hemorrhoid pain, treatment adherence, and comfort, reducing negative emotions. This is relatively safe and worthy of clinical promotion.