External treatment
Ren et al. treated 96 cases of pelvic inflammation by a retention enema with Hong Teng Tang (a common modern formula). One comparison group of 40 cases was treated by a traditional enema with Hong Teng Tang, and a second comparison group of 44 cases was treated with antibiotics and medication made from placenta tissue. The results: the treatment group had superior therapeutic effects than either of the two comparison groups (P<0.05).(
5)
Zheng et al. treated 30 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation by a retention enema with Shuang Dan Tang. The formula consisted of Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), San Leng (Burreed Tuber), E Zhu (Zedoariae Rhizoma), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Huang Bo (Phellodendron), Zi Hua Di Ding (Viola), Bai Jiang Cao (Thlaspi), Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsia Spine), etc. A comparison group of 30 cases was treated with the same formula but by oral administration. The results: the treatment group had a total effectiveness rate of 96.67%, while the comparison group had a total effectiveness rate of 86.64% (P<0.05).(6)
Li et al. treated 480 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation by a retention enema with the following herbs: Huang Bo (Phellodendron), Long Dan Cao (Gentiana Root), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Tuber), Chuan Lian Zi (Melia), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), E Zhu (Zedoaria), Yi Yi Ren (Coix), and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark). The treatment was conducted once daily, and one course of treatment lasted 10 days. The treatment was discontinued during menstruation. The results; 380 cases significantly improved, another 60 cases improved, and the remaining 40 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 91.7%.(7)
Iontophoresis with Chinese herbs
Fan et al. treated 92 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation through iontophoresis with the following herbs: Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrrh), Xue Jie (Dragon's Blood), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Dang Gui (Dang Gui), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Hua Jiao (Zanthoxylum Peel), Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia), Pu Gong Yin (Dandelion), Bai Jiang Cao (Thlaspi), and Dan Shen (Salvia). The results: 49 cases significantly improved, 25 cases showed great improvement, another 16 cases improved, and the remaining 2 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effectiveness rate of 97.9%.(8)
Physiotherapy
Zhao treated 15 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation by ultra-shortwave therapy. The results: 8 cases (53.33%) greatly improved and the remaining 7 cases improved, with a total effectiveness rate of 100%.(9)
Simultaneous internal and external treatments
Ling treated 92 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation by simultaneous internal and external treatments. The formula prescribed for internal administration was aimed at cleansing heat, dispelling dampness to promote qi circulation, and remove stasis, and consisted of the following herbs: Bai Jiang Cao (Thlaspi), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chuan Lian Zi (Melia), Dan Shen (Salvia), and Chi Shao (Peony Red). Externally, the patients were treated by an enema with the decoction of the following herbs: Bai Jiang Cao (Thlaspi), Hong Teng (Sargentodoxa Cuneata Rhixoma), Pu Gong Ying (Taraxaci Herba), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Flos), Dan Shen (Salvia), Chi Shao (Peony Red), San Leng (Sparganii Rhizoma), E Zhu (Zedoariae Rhizoma), and Ye Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Indici Flos). This treatment had a total effective rate of 97.8%.(10)
Combined treatment with Chinese and Western medicine
Zhu treated 120 cases of chronic pelvic inflammation with Western antibiotics, a retention enema, and external application using Chinese herbs. Herbs used for the enema were a decoction of the following three herbs: Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Zi Hua Di Ding (Viola), and Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower). The external medication used the following herbs: Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax Root Bark), Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrrh), Dang Gui Wei (Dang Gui Tail), Fang Feng (Siler), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Sang Ji Sheng (Loranthus), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Ai Ye (Artemesia), Hua Jiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), Xue Jie (Dragon's Blood), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Tou Gu Cao (Impatiens), Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root), and Qian Nian Jian (Homalomena). A comparison group of 50 cases was treated with Western medicine only. The results: the treatment group had a superior therapeutic effect than the comparison group.(11)
Comprehensive therapies
In treating 127 cases of pelvic inflammation, Bao combined internal administration and a retention enema using Chinese herbs, microwave therapy, and external application with an analgesic paste designed to treat swelling and inflammation. The herbs used for internal administration and the retention enema were the following, which had the properties of cleansing heat and toxins, and removing stasis: Bai Hua She She Cao (Oldenlandia), Ban Zhi Lian (Barbat Skullcap), Hong Teng (Sargentodoxa Cuneata Rhixoma), Bai Jiang Cao (Thlapsi), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), San Leng (Burreed Tuber), E Zhu (Zedoaria), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Tuber), and Mo Yao (Myrrh). The treatment lasted 10-20 days. The results: 66 cases significantly improved, another 48 cases improved, and the remaining 13 cases did not respond to the treatment.(12)
Wu et al. treated 48 cases of pelvic inflammation with an oral administration of Chinese herbs, enema, and GL-148B light quantum blood therapy. The herbs used for the oral administration had the properties of promoting qi and blood circulation, dissipating stasis and mass, and removing dampness; and the herbs used for enema were known for their effectiveness in regulating qi, dredging collaterals, eliminating blood stasis, and removing dampness. The results: after the treatment, patients no longer experienced clinical symptoms, and 97.9% of the patients improved.(13)