The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which Kampo medications are used and the diseases treated using them in community medicine in Gunma prefecture and to determine an appropriate level for future training in Kampo medications. A survey was administered in medical facilities providing community medicine in Gunma prefecture. The items surveyed were opportunities for prescribing Kampo, the form of medical treatment of prescriptions for Kampo, diseases for which medications were prescribed, frequently prescribed Kampo formulae, training received to date in Kampo, and the desire for future training in Kampo. The majority of responses regarding the frequency of Kampo use were “occasionally” to “often.” Kampo was prescribed for common diseases and for patients with diseases that were difficult to treat with other medicines. In addition, scientifically verified Kampo was also used. More than half of the participants expressed a desire for training in Kampo. It might become important to prepare a learning opportunity by which physicians can share and enhance the knowledge regarding usage and unique features of Kampo.

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Here we report a case in which Kampo medicine was supportively used for treatment of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain due to Fitz-Hugh Curtis syndrome. A 42-year-old woman felt a cramping pain in her RUQ. She presented to her primary care physician. The pain was worsened upon inhalation or changing positions. No significant findings were observed except for inflammation. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a small volume of intrapelvic ascites, and the patient was referred to our hospital for further examination. The abdomen was soft, with tenderness in the RUQ, and tested positive for both Murphy’s and Carnett’s signs. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected with vaginal smear using polymerase chain reaction. Fitz-Hugh‒Curtis syndrome was clinically diagnosed. Oral administration of azithromy- cin temporarily alleviated the RUQ pain, but the pain exacerbated again. Saireito extract at a dose of 5 g/day was prescribed, and after 2 months of treatment, RUQ pain dissipated. Thus, we concluded that this traditional Kampo medicine would be a useful supportive treatment for pain and discomfort from persistent RUQ pain due to Fitz-Hugh Curtis syndrome.

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