Sniff away surgery jitters: aromatherapy tested for Pre-Op anxiety

NCT ID NCT07237061

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: National University Hospital, Singapore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether letting patients pick their own aromatherapy scent (lavender, geranium, lemongrass, or sandalwood) could lower anxiety before eye surgery. 64 adults undergoing short eye procedures chose their preferred scent or received an odorless placebo patch. Researchers measured anxiety levels before and after the 30-minute scent exposure to see if aromatherapy helped more than routine care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: aromatherapy (lavender, geranium, lemongrass, or sandalwood essential oils)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer before minor surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 64 participants. The effect may be due to the placebo effect or personal preference, and results may not apply to other types of surgery or more anxious patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cataract

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AROMATHERAPY CATARACT PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY SURGERY VITRECTOMY

Contacts and locations

Locations

National University Hospital Singapore

Singapore, Singapore

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.