1. Post-Surgical Infections

1. Post-Surgical Infections

The uterus is adjacent to the bladder in the front and the rectum in the back, making cross-infection a common occurrence. Post-surgical infections often result in high fever, elevated blood counts, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, increased C-reactive protein, and elevated calcitonin—particularly in cases of ovarian cancer, where post-surgical complications such as ascites, high fever, and intestinal adhesions are common. Since 1929, when British doctor Fleming discovered penicillin, macrolides, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and quinolones were developed, with each generation of antibiotics becoming more effective. However, as the power of the devil grows, the power of good becomes increasingly diminished—bacteria developed resistance to antibiotics, producing β-lactamases within their genomes. These enzymes can break down antibiotics, prompting the development of β-lactamase inhibitors like sulbactam and clavulanate. Yet even these antibiotics now face resistance. We refer to bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumannii, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), broad-spectrum β-lactamase-resistant bacteria (ESB), and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRE) as “superbugs.” Once infected by superbugs, the body triggers a cascade of reactions, leading to multi-organ failure (MOF) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Inflammation can trigger allergic reactions, and the latest understanding of inflammation is that it forms an inflammatory syndrome (SIRS). As SIRS develops, it leads to CARS—a protective response against inflammation. These inflammatory syndromes and protective reactions interact, creating a cascading effect. In such cases, immune function collapses, the patient suffers systemic infection, high fever persists, and ultimately, death occurs due to respiratory failure or renal failure. At this point, Western medicine’s treatment options are limited—while TCM employs methods like “boiling the pot to calm the boiling water,” “drawing out the root cause,” “eliminating wind and removing dampness,” and “promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis,” these approaches can provide some relief. Formulas like Da Cheng Qi Tang, Ren Shen Bai Hu Tang, Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, Gui Zhi Fulu Wan, and Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin can be selected based on individual symptoms. Therefore, TCM can offer valuable support to Western medicine in treating post-surgical infections in gynecology.