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).