Homeopathic Arnica in postoperative haematomas: a double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether homeopathic Arnica can reduce postoperative haematomas in venous surgery.

METHODS

Randomized, prospective, multicentric, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

130 consecutive patients undergoing saphenous stripping (204 legs), hospitalized in a clinic.

METHODS

A homeopathic medicine (Arnica CH5) and an indistinguishable placebo, administered sublingually by a nurse the night before and immediately after the operation.

METHODS

Clinical evaluation of haematomas 6 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Groups were well matched (sex, age, history of bleeding or thrombosis, drug intake, previous intake of homeopathic drugs, type of operation and anaesthesia, operator). One drop-out has been replaced. No statistically significant difference in postoperative haematomas was found between the Arnica and placebo groups (p = 0.342). Subanalysis of all other items did not reveal any statistical difference either.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, with this dosage, we did not observe any preventive effect of homeopathic Arnica CH5 on poststripping haematomas.