Effectiveness of acupuncture for recovery of flatulence after cesarean section: A case report

RATIONALE: Postoperative ileus with flatulence is a common symptom in patients who have undergone cesarean section, and it can lead to peritonitis and intestinal perforation. However, few previous reports described therapeutic effects of acupuncture in women with flatulence after cesarean delivery. We reported a case of 29-year-old woman with abdominal flatulence after cesarean section. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient developed right abdominal pain and distention with no discharging bowel movement or passage of gas through the anus after cesarean section. DIAGNOSIS: The computed tomography revealed bowel loops filled with gas. She was diagnosed with postoperative ileus. INTERVENTIONS: From the second day after cesarean section, acupuncture was administered at the bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Yinlingquan (SP9), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zhigou (TE6), and Hegu (LI4) acupoints. OUTCOMES: The patient exhibited the successful passage of gas through the anus 30 minutes after acupuncture needles were removed. The time to first defecation with a normal total stool weight and moderate hardness was 3 hours after acupuncture treatment. LESSONS: Acupuncture can be an effective alternative treatment in patients with flatulence after cesarean section.