Is there a role for homeopathy in breast cancer surgery? A first randomized clinical trial on treatment with Arnica montana to reduce postoperative seroma and bleeding in patients undergoing total mastectomy

Abstract

Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of Arnica montana on post-operative blood loss and seroma production in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy by administering Arnica Montana 1000 Korsakovian dilution (1000 K).Materials and Methods:From 2012 to 2014, 53 women were randomly assigned to A. montana or placebo and were followed up for 5 days. The main end point was the reduction in blood and serum volumes collected in drainages. Secondary end points were duration of drainage, a self-evaluation of pain, and the presence of bruising or hematomas.Results:The per-protocol analysis revealed a lower mean volume of blood and serum collected in drainages with A. montana (−94.40 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.48-211.28; P = 0.11). A regression model including treatment, volume collected in the drainage on the day of surgery, and patient weight showed a statistically significant difference in favor of A. montana (−106.28 ml; 95% CI: 9.45-203.11; P = 0.03). Volumes collected on the day of surgery and the following days were significantly lower with A. montana at days 2 (P = 0.033) and 3 (P = 0.0223). Secondary end points have not revealed significant differences.Conclusions:A. montana 1000 K could reduce post-operative blood and seroma collection in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy. Larger studies are needed with different dilutions of A. montana to further validate these data.

Homeopathy for Pain Management

“…13 In another, coherent domains are formed "among the molecules of the water-alcohol solvent, as predicted by quantum electrodynamics." 14,15 The nanodose levels that persist in homeopathic medicines are comparable to the levels at which the body's hormones and cell-signaling agents operate. These two qualities of homeopathy-the active ingredient being present only in nanoparticles and the mechanism of action based on conveying information rather than its medicinal substance-give homeopathic medicines their unique qualities: the patient needs less and less of them over time; they do not create dependency or withdrawal; they do not interact with other medications; and they can heal other health conditions at the same time in addition to the chief complaint, that is, they provide side benefits instead of side effects.…”

Homeopathic Arnica from Boiron and post-operative bleeding in mastectomized women in Milan: Statistical flaws and bias to be addressed

“…In a recent paper, Sorrentino et al., reported that a homeopathic preparation of an extract from Arnica montana L, known as Arnica 1000 K, significantly reduced the amount of post-operative blood and seroma (improving bleeding) in female subjects who underwent an unilateral total mastectomy. 1 This double blind randomized controlled trial versus placebo was performed throughout two years-long period, from 2012 to 2014, and about 53 patients (26 cases and 27 controls) with an age range 20–75 years and hospitalized for unilateral total mastectomy, were enrolled. 1 In their study, the authors stated that patients underwent also a standardized protocol of treatment for surgical procedures including an antithrombotic prophylaxis with 4000 UI heparin 12 h before surgery.…”

“… 1 This double blind randomized controlled trial versus placebo was performed throughout two years-long period, from 2012 to 2014, and about 53 patients (26 cases and 27 controls) with an age range 20–75 years and hospitalized for unilateral total mastectomy, were enrolled. 1 In their study, the authors stated that patients underwent also a standardized protocol of treatment for surgical procedures including an antithrombotic prophylaxis with 4000 UI heparin 12 h before surgery. 1 Patients who followed a randomization blinded protocol received a 30% v/v ethanol preparation of Arnica 1000 K (five drops sublingual) or a placebo (i.e.…”

“… 1 In their study, the authors stated that patients underwent also a standardized protocol of treatment for surgical procedures including an antithrombotic prophylaxis with 4000 UI heparin 12 h before surgery. 1 Patients who followed a randomization blinded protocol received a 30% v/v ethanol preparation of Arnica 1000 K (five drops sublingual) or a placebo (i.e. simply 30% v/v ethanol) from 1 day before surgery to the fourth day following surgery, which was performed by the same surgical team.…”

“…simply 30% v/v ethanol) from 1 day before surgery to the fourth day following surgery, which was performed by the same surgical team. 1 Those patients treated with Arnica 1000 K and collected in the group who excluded subjects who violated the protocol (PP group), showed less blood leakage and seroma (serum from surgical drainages) release from post-operatory drainages, reporting a better bleeding process. 1 …”