Unani Therapy in Fourth-degree Uterovaginal Prolapse With Multiple Decubitus Ulcers: A Case Report.

CONTEXT: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a leading health problem, in which pelvic organs-the uterus, bladder, and rectum-bulge from the vagina, causing bladder and bowel dysfunction. Uterovaginal prolapse (UVP), Nutu-al-Rahim, affects more than 50% of parous women (women who have had children), especially those above 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE

The current case study intended to evaluate the benefits of a holistic Unani treatment in ameliorating POP symptoms, healing decubitus ulcers, preventing further prolapse, improving quality of life, and maintaining social independence.

DESIGN

The research team developed a case report.

SETTING

The study took place at the National Institute of Unani Medicine in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

PARTICIPANT: The participant was a 70 year-old female patient at the Institute with backache, spotting from the vagina, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, general weakness, and fourth-degree UVP with multiple decubitus ulcers.

INTERVENTION: The participant orally received Majun Moocharus, 7 g twice daily for 60 days,and took sitz baths (Abzan) once daily for 20 minutes for 60 days, which used a medicated decoction of 3g of alum (phitkari ) and 10 g each of a medicated decoction (Joshanda) of nutgalls from the Aleppo oak, Quercus infectoria (Mazu), root of lemon grass Andropogan jwarancusa (Izkhar), and pomegranate rind from Punica granatum (Post anar). She also used vaginal tampons (Hamul) which each used 2g of the same medicinal powder with 10 ml of rose oil and which was inserted into her vagina once per day for 60 days, in combination with pelvic-floor-muscle exercises.

RESULTS

The ulcers were healed within a week. The monthly follow-ups for ten months showed no cervical descent or symptoms associated with it.

CONCLUSIONS

The current case study found that a fourth-grade UVP can be managed effectively with Unani medications. The participant's ulcers were healed, her clinical symptoms of UVP were reduced, and her quality of life improved. Clinical trials are recommended with large sample sizes to create a higher level of evidence for the efficacy of the Unani medicine.