Publication Name	World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Manuscript ID	114639
Country	China

Category	Medicine, General & Internal
Manuscript Type	Letter to the Editor
Article Title	Integrating traditional Chinese medicine in anal fistula surgery: A step forward in holistic patient care
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Yu-Xing Liu and Chen-Ming Liu
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Chen-Ming Liu, Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong'an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China. lcm945256445@163.com
Key Words	Anal fistula; Traditional Chinese medicine; Holistic care; Integrative medicine; Surgical outcomes; Personalized medicine
Core Tip	This commentary discusses the study by Liu et al, which provides evidence for integrating traditional Chinese medicine with surgery in complex anal fistula management. We emphasize how this approach aligns with holistic care principles, addressing both anatomical defects and underlying inflammatory and regenerative processes. While the study’s retrospective design limits causal inference, it highlights the potential of integrative strategies to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, paving the way for future randomized trials to standardize protocols and validate efficacy.
Citation	Liu YX, Liu CM. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine in anal fistula surgery: A step forward in holistic patient care. World J Gastrointest Surg 2025; In press

Received	2025-09-24 09:43
Peer-Review Started	2025-09-24 09:43
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-10-31 07:43
Return for Revision	2025-10-31 07:43
Revised	2025-10-31 13:45
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2025-12-09 02:41
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-12-10 02:19
Articles in Press	2025-12-10 02:19
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-9366 (online)
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