NCT07281885

Aromatherapy in Reducing PONV for Total Joint Replacement Patients

A Randomized Control Trial on the Efficacy of Aromatherapy in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Total Joint Replacement Patients

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 159 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery, as these complications can lead to patient discomfort and prolonged recovery. It is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 159 participants, who will be divided into three groups: an intervention group receiving aromatherapy patches (lavender-sandalwood or orange-ginger) plus standard care, a placebo group with a placebo patch plus standard care, and a control group receiving standard care alone. PONV will be measured using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR) at baseline, 30 minutes after the intervention, and every 12 hours post-surgery. Additionally, patient satisfaction will be assessed through a 5-point Likert scale survey. The primary outcome of the study is the evaluation of RINVR scores, while the secondary outcome focuses on patient satisfaction levels. Data will be statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, with a significance level defined as p \< 0.05. The study aims to determine the viability of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for PONV, potentially improving postoperative care, enhancing patient satisfaction, and offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional anti emetic treatments if proven effective.

Conditions

• Total Joint Replacement Surgery
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Aromatherapy patches	Applying aromatherapy patch served as intervention part in addition to standard care. Aromatherapy patch will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape.
OTHER	Placebo Patches	On top of standard care. Placebo patch, which looks like the aromatherapy patch but contains no element of any essential oil, will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape.
DRUG	Control (Standard treatment)	Prescribed antiemetic treatment

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2025-12-15
• Last updated: 2026-01-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong