Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peppermint oil aromatherapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing single-level cervical surgery. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study consisted of 76 single-level cervical surgery patients admitted to the neurosurgery department between March 2021 and November 2022. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: the intervention group received peppermint oil aromatherapy through inhalation, whereas the control group received routine clinical treatment. Both groups were observed for the presence and severity of PONV, the use of antiemetics, and hemodynamic parameters at minute 5, 35, 65, and 95, and at hour 2, 6, 12, and 24 after surgery. RESULTS: In the control group, 18 (47.8%) patients experienced nausea, 11 (28.9%) experienced vomiting, and 7 (18.4%) used antiemetics. In contrast, the intervention group included only 2 (5.3%) patients who experienced nausea, and none of those patients experienced vomiting or used antiemetics. It was determined that peppermint oil had a 40% effect on reducing PONV, 34% effect on reducing postoperative antiemetic use, and 75% effect on reducing severity of nausea. Hemodynamic parameters did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The systolic blood pressure of the control group was significantly greater than that of the intervention group only at minute 95 and at hour 24 after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the use of peppermint oil aromatherapy can have a positive effect on reducing the presence and severity of PONV and the need for antiemetic medication in patients undergoing single-level cervical surgery.