The relative efficacy of a homoeopathic pain complex (Arnica montana 30CH, Bellis perennis 30CH, Calendula officinalis 30CH, Hypericum perforatum 30CH, Phosphorus 30CH, Stapysagria 30CH) and allopathic analgesic (Stopyane) in the post-operative management of haemorrhoidectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this double-blinded study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of a homoeopathic pain complex (Arnica montana 30CH, Bellis perennis 30CH, Calendula officinalis 30CH, Hypericum perforaturn 30CH, Phosphorus 30CH, Staphysagria 30CH) and on allopathic analgesic (Stopayne\xAE) in the management of post-operative pain after haemorrhoidectomy; in terms of the patients' perception of the treatment. The hypothesis was to show that the homoeopathic pain complex would result in a similar response when compared to the allopathic analgesic without the dismay of adverse effects. Thirty patients with haemorrhoids were carefully screened by an appointed nurse and selected according to a selection criteria (3.3.1 and 3.3.2). Haemorrhoidectomies were performed by two surgeons on all participating patients. The selected patients were then divided into two groups (allopathic or homoeopathic) using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected at the King Edward VIII Hospital. IV Patients in group one received the allopathic analgesic i.e. Stopayne\xAE and patients in group two received the homoeopathic pain complex consisting ofArnica montana 30CH, Bellis perennis 30CH, Calendula officinalis 30CH, Hypericum perforaturn 30CH, Phosphorus 30CH and Staphysagria 30CH. These medications were administrated three times daily over a period of three days. Questionnaires (both in English and Zulu) were filled out by each patient over three consecutive days. Results were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test for the inter-group relationships and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for the intra-group relationships. It was found that both groups improved significantly by the thrid consultation compared to the first