Outcomes of Aromatherapy in Nausea and Vomiting After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized four-arm placebo-controlled trials

METHODS

One hundred and twenty subjects were allocated to each of the four groups based on the application of aromatic oil in subjects manifesting PONV: group 1 (lavender), group 2 (lemon), group 3 (peppermint), and group 4 (normal saline placebo). Aromatherapy was administered to all subjects immediately after surgery. Antiemetics were provided to subjects with significant nausea or vomiting. The severity of nausea and vomiting in subjects post-TKA was evaluated using the Halpin nausea and vomiting scale (HNV). The HNV and the concentration of antiemetic drug use were evaluated. Subjects' satisfaction with treatment for PONV was evaluated at discharge.

FINDINGS: HNV scores did not differ significantly between groups immediately after surgery until the third postoperative day (P > .05). The amount of antiemetic drug used in group 3 was significantly lower among the groups (P = .030). The subject satisfaction scale did not differ significantly among groups (P = .837).

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy using peppermint oil reduced the amount of antiemetics used to treat PONV after TKA under spinal anesthesia with comparable subject satisfaction. Lavender and lemon oils did not reduce the use of antiemetics after TKA.