Effects of the support system combined with Chinese medicine on postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND The treatment of patients with liver cancer after surgery with the artificial liver support system combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for strengthening the body and removing blood stasis is a new idea. AIM To analyze the post-surgical effect of the artificial liver support system with TCM in patients with liver cancer. METHODS Ninety-eight patients with liver cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the Fifth People’s Hospital of Huai’an from January 2023-2024 were selected and divided into two groups (49 patients each) via random lottery method. Both groups underwent surgery. The control group received artificial liver support, and the observation group was additionally treated with TCM for strengthening the body and removing blood stasis. Gastrointestinal recovery, liver function, tumor marker levels, immune function, and safety were compared between both groups. RESULTS There were significant differences in the levels of indicators related to gastrointestinal recovery between the groups (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the observation group were lower, whereas the albumin level was higher (P < 0.05). After treatment, tumor marker levels in the observation group were relatively lower (P < 0.05). After treatment, compared to the control group, the CD4+ level in the observation group was higher and the CD8+ level was lower (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Combining the artificial liver support system with TCM significantly improves liver and gastrointestinal functions, enhances immune responses, and reduces tumor marker levels with high safety, suggesting that it could be a promising approach for optimizing postoperative care and improving patient outcomes, potentially reducing complications and enhancing quality of life.