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

• Published in: Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Sorrentino, Luca, Piraneo, Salvatore, Riggio, Eliana, Basilicò, Silvia, Sartani, Alessandra, Bossi, Daniela, Corsi, Fabio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Ejmanager 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Original Research; seroma; breast cancer; mastectomy; Arnica montana; homeopathy
• ISSN: 2146-8397; 2146-8397
• DOI: 10.5455/jice.20161229055245

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of on post-operative blood loss and seroma production in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy by administering 1000 Korsakovian dilution (1000 K). From 2012 to 2014, 53 women were randomly assigned to 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. The per-protocol analysis revealed a lower mean volume of blood and serum collected in drainages with (-94.40 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.48-211.28; = 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 (-106.28 ml; 95% CI: 9.45-203.11; = 0.03). Volumes collected on the day of surgery and the following days were significantly lower with at days 2 ( = 0.033) and 3 ( = 0.0223). Secondary end points have not revealed significant differences. 1000 K could reduce post-operative blood and seroma collection in women undergoing unilateral total mastectomy. Larger studies are needed with different dilutions of to further validate these data.