COMPARISON OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AROMATHERAPY OF PAPPERMINT with HAND MASSAGE ON THE PAIN OF PATIENTS AFTER CHOLELITHIASIS SURGERY : A CASE STUDY

Background: Cholelithiasis is a gallstone disease that originates from fluid that hardens in the gallbladder. The prevalence of gallstones is increasing every year. Behavior modification in individuals is considered less successful, more aggressive actions (surgery) are needed. However, the majority of patients complain of pain after surgery. Medical treatment without complementary balance can cause problems such as decreased cardiac output. Complementary therapies that can be used are aromatherapy and hand massage. Methods: A case study study of 3 postoperative cholelithiasis patients. Case presentation: Peppermint aromatherapy or hand massage was used to reduce postoperative pain in three samples (two intervention, one control). Therapy was given for three days, starting on the first postoperative day with moderate pain (4-6). Interventions included measuring blood pressure and pain scale before and after therapy. Both methods subjectively reduced pain and objectively lowered blood pressure and heart rate. Conclusion: Peppermint aromatherapy with hand massage can be used as complementary therapy to accompany medical treatment to reduce pain in patients after cholelithiasis surgery. In addition, this therapy is easy to apply and does not cost much so that the patient's family can practice it at home.