Effect of Citrus Aurantium L. on pain and blood pressure in patients undergoing hand reconstructive surgery.

Background and purpose: Postoperative pain and blood pressure are common patient complaints. This study examined the effects of Citrus Aurantium (CA) on pain and blood pressure in patients undergoing hand reconstructive surgery.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 76 patients. The control group received a placebo, while the intervention group received CA essential oil. Blood pressure and pain levels were recorded before the intervention, and at 30 minutes and one-hour post-surgery. Data collection used blood pressure sheets, numerical visual pain scales, and demographic questionnaires.

Result: The intervention group showed significantly greater pain reduction than the control group (p = 0.001), with CA increasing the likelihood of pain reduction by 1.73 times (Exp(B) = 1.73). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased post-intervention (p = 0.001, p = 0.005), but differences were not significant after 30 minutes and one hour after (p > 0.05). CA increased the likelihood of systolic blood pressure reduction by 16.87 times (Exp(B) = 16.78), with no effect on diastolic pressure.

Conclusion: CA facilitates pain and blood pressure reduction in aromatherapy, suggesting its use as a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive method for postoperative pain management.