Feasibility of Aromatherapy in an Awake Craniotomy Environment

The lavender aromatherapy trial protocol was developed in conjunction with the Aurora Health Care (AHC) Integrative Medicine Department and Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioners (CCAP). Participating patients received standard of care intraoperative analgesic and anxiolytic management plus lavender aromatherapy. Lavender scent was administered via nasal inhaler. The lavender essential oil, base oil, and nasal inhaler were provided by AHC Integrative Medicine Department to ensure standardization across all patients. The nasal inhaler was prepared with 15 gtts (drops) of lavender essential oil and 4 gtts (drops) of the base oil (grapeseed oil). A CCAP from Integrative Medicine provided training on the delivery of lavender aromatherapy to all study team members. This person consulted on the participation of the first three subjects and was present in the operating room (OR) to oversee administration of lavender aromatherapy. The CCAP was also available for consultation during the course of the study, as needed.

A dedicated OR nurse, neuropsychologist, or neuropsychometrist oversaw administration of lavender aromatherapy to subjects. They monitored the subject during study participation and were prepared to discontinue the trial if they felt continued participation was detrimental to the patient. Lavender aromatherapy was administered for up to five minutes using the nasal inhaler at designated time points (preoperative, induction) and every 30 minutes during the surgery. Although the majority of the time OR personnel administered the aromatherapy, some patients were able to and chose to self-administer. Additional lavender aromatherapy treatments were provided at any time upon request. During non-use periods, the nasal inhaler was capped and sealed. If the subject was unable to verbally request the research team member to hold the nasal inhaler under their nose, the subject's participation in the study was terminated. Additionally, subjects were free to discontinue administration of aromatherapy at any time during their participation in the study. The timing and reason of discontinuation of lavender aromatherapy was recorded.

Inclusion criteria

• Any adult patient aged 18 and older undergoing awake cranial neurosurgery

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy or sensitivity to the aromatherapy agent (Lavender)
• Aversion to lavender scent
• History of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• History of contact dermatitis following exposure to cosmetic fragrances
• Pregnancy