Does Aromatherapy Decrease Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting?

Last updated: January 7, 2019
Sponsor: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Lactose Intolerance

Colic

Stomach Discomfort

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT03577496
18-0058
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

Aromatherapy has been proven to be effective for treating patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after surgery, but few studies analyze its effect on preventing PONV. Most studies use aromatherapy once patients become nauseous, but this study will address a gap in the literature with relation to the effect of aromatherapy in the prevention of PONV.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult surgical patients ages 18 and older.

  • Patients deemed medically stable by their surgery team.

  • Anesthesia and Surgeon faculty approval will be obtained prior to asking the patientfor their consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Minors

  • Unstable patients, such as ICU patients or intubated patients, pregnant women, andprisoners.

  • Patients with a history of severe PONV or severe delirium on emergence from anesthesiawill be excluded.

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Study Start date:
June 15, 2018
Estimated Completion Date:
December 15, 2018

Study Description

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if aromatherapy will prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Peppermint aromatherapy will be used preemptively to test for effectiveness, decreased PONV, and the ability to avoid anti-emetics. This study will seek to demonstrate that peppermint aromatherapy is a simple, cost effective way to prevent PONV after anesthesia. By decreasing the need for anti-emetics and incidence of PONV, patients may have a quicker recovery time and experience less side effects from anti-emetics, such as increased sedation. This problem is significant to patients and society as it may demonstrate that the inhalation of peppermint can ease PONV and decrease costs due to anti-emetics, wound dehiscence, and prolonged hospital stay. This study may lead to higher levels of patient satisfaction; if the patients are not nauseated they may be more satisfied with their care.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Texas Medical Branch

    Galveston, Texas 77555
    United States

    Site Not Available

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