Lavender Aromatherapy and the Incidence of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy, in addition to standard antiemetic therapy, in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting among patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the DHQ Hospital Sheikhupura, Pakistan, between February and July 2024.

Methods: The sample size used was 70 adult patients who had undergone laparotomy with general anesthesia, experienced nausea or vomiting in 24 hours after surgery and were enrolled and randomized to either intervention (n=35) or control (n=35) group. Both groups were treated with standard antiemetics, and the experimental one was also treated with lavender aromatherapy according to the validated protocols. The levels of nausea and vomiting were evaluated on levels at baseline and after 15 and 40 minutes of intervention. Analysis of data involved comparison of within and between group changes at individual time point.

Results: Baseline nausea and vomiting rates were comparable between groups. At 40 minutes, nausea was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to controls (2.9% vs. 17.1%, p=0.04). Vomiting showed a
marked reduction at 15 minutes (8.6% vs. 48.6%, p=0.001) and was completely absent in the intervention group at 40 minutes (0% vs. 14.3%, p=0.02). Both groups showed within-group improvement over time, but reductions were more pronounced in the lavender group.

Conclusion: When lavender aromatherapy was applied together with the conventional antiemetic treatment, nausea as well as vomiting after exploratory laparotomy was greatly reduced. It is safe, not invasive, and cost-effective, which makes it appropriate to be incorporated as a postoperative supportive strategy.