[Expats & Ailments] US Professor Finds Cure in Shanghai After 6 American Surgeries

Welcome to "Expats & Ailments"

Dive into the fascinating world of medicine! Each issue, we uncover real-life cases, share health tips, and guide you to the best hospitals and departments. Science, solutions, and everyday wellness – made simple and engaging. Stay curious, stay healthy!

A Chinese American, who underwent six operations in the United States in just one year for anal fistula, was finally cured after flying all the way to Shanghai's Longhua Hospital.

The anorectal department at Longhua Hospital is famous for adopting a blend of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine to treat complex anal fistulas (infected tunnels between the skin and the anal canal that cause severe discomfort and disruption to daily life).

"Anal fistula is a common perianal disease. But the diagnosis and treatment are never easy, especially for complex cases. Longhua Hospital has a unique reputation in the field, thanks to the mastery of Gu's Surgery – a technique that is listed as a national intangible cultural relic," said Dr Wang Chen, vice president of the hospital.

"In addition to inheriting TCM skills, we also keep upgrading the technologies along with the integration of Western medicine to develop minimally invasive and individualized clinical practice, plus careful nursing to achieve good treatment outcomes."

"Such a treatment plan can effectively reduce post-surgery relapse, shorten the curing period and effectively protect the form and function of the anus. All these are extremely important for patients' quality," she added.

The 57-year-old patient, surnamed Wang, who has lived in the US for three decades, echoed those sentiments.

"I found a lump around the anus in 2022 and my doctors gave me antibiotics, which took effect. I had a relapse last year and my own doctors couldn't bring it under control. They conducted a surgical check and then recommended me to UCSF Health," said Wang, who is a university professor.

"I received six surgeries with general anesthesia in just one year. Though the symptoms improved, my disease was not cured. I consulted AI (artificial intelligence) after inputting my condition and AI offered media reports about Longhua Hospital treating a similar case. So I decided to come to Longhua Hospital and doctors in the US also suggested getting a second opinion after learning that I was planning to fly to China."

A 35-year-old Chinese American, after enduring five unsuccessful surgeries under general anesthesia in the US within just ten months, flew to Shanghai and received smooth treatment at Longhua Hospital, media reports said.

"I came to Shanghai after learning about this case, which was exactly similar to mine," Wang revealed. "I arrived on October 30 and was hospitalized on November 3. After detailed checks, the surgery on November 5 only took about one hour and I am recovering very well. Doctors here changed the dressing twice a day during my hospitalization. It was very important."

He was discharged two weeks later but visited the hospital daily for dressing changes.

"I am very satisfied with the treatment outcome here and have prolonged my stay in Shanghai in order to achieve a complete recovery and cure. It is such a good experience of medical treatment in Shanghai," Wang added.

Tips of anal fistula prevention and control

An anal fistula is an abnormal passageway that develops from inside your anus to the skin outside. It is mainly caused by infection. It can result in anal pain, swelling and redness.

Surgery is the primary treatment.

Effective prevention measures include maintaining anus hygiene to reduce the risk of infection, visiting doctors in time if there is swelling or pain around the anus, and avoiding constipation, as long-term and forcible defecation can induce anal problems.

If you go

You can contact with anorectal department at Longhua Hospital by e-mail: longhuagangchang@126.com

You can also hold consultations and make reservations through the hospital's international medical center, which offers bilingual service.

The hospital is covered by commercial insurance.