Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Symptom Control

Although the incidence of colorectal cancers is high, it is often possible to treat it when diagnosed at an early stage. Although the treatment options vary according to many factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, possible side effects, the preference of the patient, and the general health status, surgery stands out as the most commonly used treatment method. However, in addition to the methods and drugs used in the diagnosis and treatment process, temporary or permanent stomas that are opened to ensure discharge cause biopsychosocial effects on the life of the individual and lead to deterioration of the quality of life. In this context, knowing and resolving the problems experienced by patients in the pre-operative and post-surgical period, which is the most commonly used treatment method, will also increase the quality of life of patients. In the literature, it was stated that patients experienced high levels of anxiety before colorectal surgery and this situation caused emotional and cognitive reactions; in the postoperative period, it is seen that they experience many problems such as anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, gastrointestinal dysfunction, pain, loss of control (inability to control gas and stool output), decreased appetite, insomnia, nausea-vomiting, abdominal distension, constipation. However, modern treatment methods, drug and non-drug treatments used to control these symptoms are not effective in some cases. At this stage, complementary and alternative medicine applications come into play, one or more of these methods are used to alleviate symptoms and increase well-being during traditional treatments. In this study, it was planned to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy massage after colorectal surgery on postoperative symptom control (pain, anxiety, fatigue, sleep quality, nausea-vomiting, flatulence).

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Are over the age of 18
* Can understand and speak Turkish
* No mental or neurological disorders that may affect communication skills
* Not allergic to aromatic oils for aromatherapy massage group
* Patients undergoing curative surgery
* Not using antidepressant medication
* With an ASA score of 1-2-3
* Undergoing elective surgery
* Follow-up in the service after surgery
* No secondary cancer and recurrence surgery
* No contraindications for foot massage
* No major complications (bleeding, obstruction, anastomotic leak etc.) during the postoperative period
* Individuals who agree to participate in the study will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the age of 18
* Cannot understand and speak Turkish
* Having a mental or neurological condition that affects communication skills
* For aromatherapy massage group, allergic to aromatic oils
* Having had aromatherapy practice before
* Refusing to participate in research
* Stage IV patients
* Using antidepressant medication
* Emergency surgery applied
* ASA score of 4-5
* Permanent stoma opening
* Follow-up in intensive care after surgery
* Secondary cancer or surgery after relapse
* Major complications during the postoperative period
* Contraindicated for foot massage application (paraplegia, acute gout, foot ulcer, thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, diffuse edema or lymphedema, acute foot injury or fracture)
* Having a pacemaker, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled thyroid problems, epilepsy, bladder or kidney stones
* Patients with signs of active infection and fever will not be included in the study.

• DERIVEDYaman O, Aygin D, Altintoprak F, Guclu E. The effects of aromatherapy massage given to patients after colorectal cancer surgery on symptom management: A randomized controlled study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2024 Nov;57:101900. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101900. Epub 2024 Sep 2. PMID 39241341