Study: Aromatherapy Reduces Postoperative Anxiety and Pain in Oculoplastic Surgery Patients

A recent study suggests that aromatherapy may effectively reduce postoperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures under monitored anesthetic sedation. Published in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, this randomized controlled trial highlights the potential of aromatherapy as an adjuvant treatment in surgical care.

Study Overview and Methodology

Dr. Michael Chang, MD, from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at West Virginia University School of Medicine, led the study, which included 60 patients who underwent oculoplastic procedures with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) sedation between August 2018 and November 2020. Patients were divided into two groups:

       • Aromatherapy Group: 32 patients received aromatherapy.

       • Placebo Group: 28 patients received a placebo treatment.

Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and a visual analog scale for anxiety. Pain levels were similarly measured with a visual analog scale for pain.

Key Findings: Reduced Anxiety, Pain, and Recovery Time

The results demonstrated that patients receiving aromatherapy reported significantly lower postoperative anxiety and pain scores compared to the placebo group:

       • Anxiety Reduction: The average State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 24.1 in the aromatherapy group versus 29.1 in the placebo group.

       • Pain Reduction: Visual analog scale scores for pain were 1.9 in the aromatherapy group compared to 3.2 in the placebo group (p = 0.05 for both comparisons).

In addition to reducing anxiety and pain, aromatherapy shortened the patients' post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery times:

       • PACU Recovery Time: Patients in the aromatherapy group spent an average of 57.7 minutes in PACU, whereas the placebo group averaged 79.4 minutes (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Aromatherapy as a Supportive Tool in Surgical Care

Dr. Chang and colleagues concluded that aromatherapy may serve as an effective supplementary treatment for managing anxiety and pain in patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery with MAC sedation:

“The patients who received aromatherapy reported lower postoperative anxiety and pain. Aromatherapy may be a useful adjuvant analgesic and/or anxiolytic for patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures with monitored anesthesia care sedation.”

This study points to the potential of integrating aromatherapy into surgical care to enhance patient comfort and optimize recovery.

Reference:

Chang M, Schaefer J, Leonard A, et al. The effect of aromatherapy on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024;40:677-680; DOI: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002692