OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of the Chinese medicine, Neibu Huangqi Youhua formula combined with Kangfuxin solution for the nursing of patients after anal fistula surgery. METHODS: A total of 160 cases with anal fistula who underwent surgical treatment were recruited, and divided into control group (treated with external application of Kangfuxin liquid gauze) and experimental group (receiving the Neibu Huangqi Youhua formula combined with Kangfuxin liquid gauze) based on a random numbering table. The wound recovery, postoperative pain and inflammation were evaluated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: At 3, 7, and 14 d after the operation, the wound healing rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group at any time point. The visual analogue scale scores of the two groups gradually decreased in a time-dependent manner after surgery, while the experimental group showed a more significant downward trend in comparison with the control group. At 14 d after the operation, the experimental group had high levels of epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-1, secretory IgA, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, 5-hydroxytryptamine, prostaglandin E-2, substances P and neuropeptide Y compared with control group, but low levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and serum amyloid A protein. CONCLUSIONS: The Neibu Huangqi Youhua formula can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in patients after anal fistula surgery, thereby accelerating the process of wound healing and alleviating the pain of patients.