Blood-letting cupping therapy for incision infection after laparoscopic surgery: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Cupping Therapy with Bloodletting for Managing Incision Infections Post-Laparoscopic Surgery: A Case Study

  • By

  • Chao Wang

  • Yingjun Liu

  • Haijuan Zhang

  • Chuanlong Zhou

  • Lu Li

  • July 20, 2026

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Clinical Report: Cupping Therapy with Bloodletting for Managing Incision Infections

Overview

This case study presents the management of an incisional surgical site infection (SSI) in a 75-year-old female patient following laparoscopic surgery using blood-letting cupping therapy. The patient underwent five sessions of therapy, and inflammatory markers were monitored during the follow-up period.

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant complication following laparoscopic surgery, with incidence rates ranging from 0.22% to 27.03%. These infections can lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased morbidity, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Exploring alternative therapies like cupping may provide additional options for managing postoperative wounds.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 75-year-old female developed an incisional SSI after laparoscopic surgery for cholangiocarcinoma.
  • Typical manifestations included incision inflammation, elevated CRP levels, and fever.
  • Five sessions of blood-letting cupping therapy led to gradual resolution of the infection.
  • Inflammatory markers returned to normal range post-therapy.
  • No recurrence of infection was observed during the 3-month follow-up.

Clinical Implications

This case highlights the use of blood-letting cupping therapy as a treatment for incisional SSIs in a postoperative patient. Further research may be needed to establish standardized protocols for its use.

Conclusion

This case study reports on the use of blood-letting cupping therapy in managing an incisional surgical site infection following laparoscopic procedures.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Surgical Endoscopy, 2025 -- Evaluation of Surgical Site Infection Incidence in Transumbilical Versus Periumbilical Incisions During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study
  2. Surgical Endoscopy, 2021 -- Identification of Risks and Surgical Adjustments Decrease the Rate of Bile Leakage After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Study of 5,675 Cases
  3. Surgical Endoscopy, 2025 -- Evaluation of a Standardized Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Technique Utilizing a Reusable Bipolar Device: A Risk-Adjusted CUSUM Analysis of 780 Procedures Conducted by Surgical Trainees
  4. Surgical Site Infection Event (SSI), CDC -- Surgical Site Infection Event (SSI)
  5. NICE, Recommendations -- Recommendations | Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment | Guidance | NICE
  6. Obesity Surgery — Analysis of Blood Pressure Changes Post-Surgery in Patients Experiencing Hemorrhagic Events Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Compared to Matched Controls
  7. Surgical Site Infection Event (SSI)
  8. Recommendations | Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment | Guidance | NICE

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