Lavender Aromatherapy for Preoperative Anxiety in Melanoma and Epithelioma Patients

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil Aromatherapy in the Management of Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Surgical Excision of Melanoma or Epithelioma: A Prospective Randomized Study

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluates whether a single 15-minute session of inhalational lavender aromatherapy, administered preoperatively, reduces anxiety in adult patients (ASA I-II) scheduled for surgical radicalization of pT1a melanoma or epithelioma. Physiological parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate) and validated psychometric scales (DASS-21, STAI Y-1 and Y-2) will be recorded at defined time points before and after the intervention. Total planned enrollment: 66 participants

Patients admitted to the Plastic, Reconstructive and Regenerative Surgery Unit who meet inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) to the experimental group (lavender essential oil inhalation for 15 minutes via dedicated diffuser) or to the placebo group (physiological saline inhalation for 15 minutes). Assessments occur at T0 (ward admission before aromatherapy), T1 (arrival in operating block after aromatherapy, before surgery), T2 (end of surgical procedure), T3 (48 hours post-surgery), and T4 (7 days post-surgery for complications). Primary psychometric assessments include STAI Y-1 and STAI Y-2; additional measures include DASS-21 and vital signs. Randomization is centralized and computer-generated; allocation is concealed. Estimated data collection period: approximately six months. Sample size: 33 subjects per arm (66 total).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 80 years
• Patients diagnosed with pT1a melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer (epithelioma)
• Scheduled for surgical radicalization under local anesthesia
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I or II
• Ability to understand and complete self-administered questionnaires (STAI Y-1, STAI Y-2, DASS-21)
• Willingness and ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to lavender or essential oils
• Current use of anxiolytic, antidepressant, or psychotropic medications
• History of psychiatric disorders or ongoing psychological treatment
• Cognitive impairment or inability to complete questionnaires independently
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD) that could interfere with inhalational aromatherapy
• ASA physical status classification ≥ III
• Participation in another interventional clinical trial at the same time