Objective: Observation on the therapeutic effect of self-prepared Li Dan Anwei Tang (decoction of normalizing bile secretion and regulating stomach) on chronic cholecystitis.

Methods: Self-Prepared decoction for normalizing bile secretion and regulating stomach are composed of Radix Bupleuri, Herba Artemisiae Capillaris, Poria Rhizoma Pinelliae, Pericarpinm citri Reticulate, Prepared Pericarpium immature bitter orange, Radix Curcumae, Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli, (taken after being infused by boiling water), Fructus Hordei Germinatus, Radix Paeoniae alba, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Clematidis. Taken by mouth after boiling. One dose for every day. For constipation Radix et Rhizoma Rhei is added. For nausea and vomiting Bamboo leaf, Ochre is added. For severe bitter tastes Herba Scthellariae, Radix Gentianae is added. During treatment raw, cold, greasy food is forbidden.

Results: All the 36 cases of chronic cholecystitis are treated by this decoction with small variation. 12-24 doses were taken in 26 cases. 10 cases took more than 24 doses. 26 cases (72.2%) are considered to be significantly effective. In these cases the clinical symptoms and signs subsided totally or substantially, appetite recovered to normal. Ultrasonography showed clear gall bladder, no wall thickening, with smooth edge or without significant pathological finding. 10 cases (27.8%) are considered effective with most symptoms and signs subsided, dietary intake near normal, ultrasonoglaphy still showed some morphological changes in gall bladder. Total effective rate is 100%.

Conclusion: During treatment smoothing the oppressed liver must be moderate, drug bitter in taste and cold in nature should be used with caution for avoiding injuring spleen and stomach.

By Xu Meijuan & Ni Kaiyuan.