Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy on Patient Anxiety During Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is a precise and highly effective technique used to treat skin cancers, particularly those with complex or recurrent features. Despite its proven clinical benefits, MMS can be an anxiety-inducing experience for some participants, attributed to the anticipation of the procedure, potential postoperative pain, and the perception of unpleasant odors during the surgical stages; nearly 66% of participants undergoing MMS report unpleasant smells. Anxiety has been shown to adversely affect participants' postoperative recovery and may heighten the perception of pain.

Traditional interventions to manage anxiety in medical settings often involve medication, which may not align with patient preferences. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative non-pharmacological approaches to create a calming environment during MMS. One such promising intervention is the use of lavender aromatherapy, known for its sedative-like properties and calming effects in various settings. A growing body of research supports the potential benefits of lavender in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Studies conducted on animal models have demonstrated lavender's sedative-like properties, and its active component, linalool, has been shown to inhibit limbic system activity and decrease sympathetic nerve activity.

The inhalation of lavender aroma has been found to influence brain activity, resulting in increased carbohydrates and decreased neurotransmitter activity. Moreover, lavender oil has also been widely studied in dental literature, where it has demonstrated remarkable potential in reducing patient anxiety during various dental procedures.

Another non-pharmacological intervention commonly used to alleviate patient anxiety is music. Music during MMS leads to significant decreases in patient reported anxiety levels, as well as physiological indicators of anxiety. Patient selected music leads to an even greater reduction in anxiety. Despite the positive findings in various medical settings, there is a notable gap in research regarding the application of lavender aromatherapy during MMS and its impact on anxiety levels and unpleasant odor perception. This research aims to investigate the potential of lavender aromatherapy in promoting a calming environment during MMS and its effects on reducing anxiety levels and the perception of unpleasant smells. The study will explore how lavender diffuser use in operating rooms influences patient anxiety levels during the surgical process. By examining the experiences of participants undergoing MMS, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions, particularly aromatherapy, in reducing anxiety levels and enhancing the overall patient experience during MMS. The findings could contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions to alleviate patient anxiety and improve the overall surgical process for those undergoing MMS