Abstract

Introduction: Aromatherapy is claimed to be effective for the treatment of psychosocial disorders, but objective evidence of its effectiveness is still lacking. Psychosocial disorders have been demonstrated to increase postoperative pain and opioid consumption by up to 50%. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of Aromatherapy in controlling postoperative pain and opioid in anxious patients.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on anxious patients who underwent primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty. After obtaining signed informed consent, each patient was asked to complete a PROMIS (PatientReported Outcomes Measurement Information System) anxiety survey. Patients whose T score were >57.2 were randomized to either an active treatment (Lavender Peppermint Elequil® aromatab®) or a placebo Elequil®-aromatab® treatment. Demographics, pain, opioid consumption, PONV, and psychosocial surveys were collected on Postoperative Day POD1, POD2, POD7 and POD30. At the time of discharge and on POD30, each patient was asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire, and they were asked to complete an SF12 survey on POD30. Difference between means was assessed using absolute standardized mean differences.

Results: Sixty patients were included in the intend-to-treat analysis. Use of lavender and peppermint was associated with a decrease of 26% in pain (POD7; 0.46), 33% in opioid consumption (POD2; 0.42), and 48% in acetaminophen consumption (POD7; 0.54) and a 78% decrease in PONV (POD2; 0.44). Psychosocial scores decreased following surgery (p=0.001). Overall satisfaction ratings at discharge were similar, as were functional recovery scores.

Discussion: Our data provides evidence that in patients with preoperative anxiety, lavender and peppermint aromas decreases postoperative pain and opioid requirement compared to placebo. Additional research is required to conform our data. Conclusion: This randomized placebo control study provides evidence of the usefulness of inhalation of lavender and peppermint aromas in patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

Keywords: Aromatherapy, Acute pain, Opioids, Complementary medicine