[Evaluation of 2 homeopathic products on the resumption of transit after digestive surgery. A multicenter controlled trial]

Abstract

The effects of two homeopathic preparations, Opium and Raphanus, given in dilutions of 10(30) (15 HC) and 10(10) (5 HC) respectively, on the resumption of intestinal peristalsis after operations on the digestive tract were evaluated in a controlled, double-blind therapeutic trial involving patients from 12 hospitals. The patients were allocated at random into 4 groups of 150 each: 1 untreated group and 3 groups who received either Opium and Raphanus, or Opium and the placebo of Raphanus or the placebos of the two products. The results were assessed on the time elapsed between closure of the abdominal wall and the first faeces and (accessorily) the first bowel sounds and passing of flatus per rectum. Pre-operative and operative features were similar in all 4 groups. There was no significant difference in the effects of treatment between the groups, even when such predictive factors as type and duration of surgery and age were taken into account. It is concluded that the trial failed to demonstrate any effect of Opium or Raphanus on the resumption of intestinal peristalsis after digestive tract surgery. Nor did it confirm the activity of ultra-molecular dilutions claimed for this type of drugs.