Enhanced Recovery after Cancer Surgery using Dokhwaljihwang-tang-gami: A Case Series

Objectives Fatigue, malnutrition, and weight loss are common complaints after undergoing surgery for cancer. These symptoms can be associated with Yin-Deficiency (陰虛) of Exhaustion syndrome (虛勞). Therefore, this study aimed to determine if it is possible to use Dokhwaljihwang-tang, which originates from Yukmijihwang-tang, for enhanced recovery after cancer surgery. Methods After cancer surgery, Dokhwaljihwang-tang-gami was administered three times a day, in 80-120 ml doses at a time. Results In four cases of gastric, colorectal, and thyroid cancer, enhanced recovery was achieved using Dokhwaljihwang-tang-gami to treat general weakness, fatigue, and pain in the surgical site after cancer surgery. Conclusions Dokhwaljihwang-tang can be used for enhanced recovery after cancer surgery. Keywords: cancer surgery, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), Yin-deficiency (陰虛), Dokhwaljihwang-tang, traditional Korean medicine