Successful management of postoperative gallbladder carcinoma through Ayurveda- A case series

Abstract

Gallbladder (GB) carcinoma is caused by the epithelial lining of the GB and the cystic duct. It is the most common type of biliary tract cancer in the world. The majority of centers has a 5% of 5-year survival rate. Even after possibly curative or palliative surgery, there is a substantial risk of metastasis and recurrence, because only a small fraction of GB cancers are resectable when discovered first. As a result of its comprehensive approach, Ayurveda can address such conditions by improving patients’ quality of life as well as clinical outcomes. Although there are no direct references to GB cancer in Ayurveda, a number of scattered references can be linked to Gulma. This case series study aimed to develop a successful Ayurvedic protocol for the management of GB cancer following conventional anticancer therapy. The specific objective is to improve the patients’ quality of life. Three postoperative GB cancer patients were chosen and treated with Ayurvedic interventions of Hingwasthtak churna (5 g twice daily [BD]), Sanjeevani vati (500 mg BD), Mahashnakh vati (500 mg BD), Loknath rasa (250 mg BD), Drakshaavleha (6 g BD), and Tarunikusumakar (5 g). This treatment was followed for 2 months. As the subjective criterion signs and symptoms were graded based on standard grading system and quality-of-life scale. The objective criteria were evaluated based on hemoglobin percentage (Hb%) and liver function test (LFT) findings and improvement. These case series findings demonstrated the favorable effects and efficacy of chosen herbal formulations in the management of postoperative GB cancer for the time period studied. Hb% and LFT parameters improved significantly, and a significant reduction of related symptoms was observed. As a result, the prescribed Ayurvedic therapy protocol has a significant impact on the care of postoperative GB cancer patients.