Thoracic Surgical ProceduresAromaQoRNCT07622602
Impact of Topical Aromatherapy on Postoperative Quality of Recovery After Lung Resection
A study testing topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation and topical application of sweet almond vegetable oil in people with Thoracic Surgical Procedures and Postoperative Recovery, run by University Hospital, Toulouse.
Trial summary
The key to early surgery recovery lies in optimal and immediate control of postoperative pain. Despite standard pain management protocols, lung resection is often associated with acute, neuropathic, or chronic pain, compounded by the side effects of morphine-based treatments. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Thoracic Surgical Procedures, Postoperative Recovery, Pain
- What is being tested?
- topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation and topical application of sweet almond vegetable oil
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 124 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Jun 2026to Jun 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older,
- undergoing scheduled lung resection for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
- able to give free, informed, signed consent (no later than the day of inclusion and before any examination required by the research)
- person affiliated with or beneficiary of a social security system.
Who cannot join
- Patients with chronic pain prior to surgery
- patients undergoing daily pain relief treatment prior to surgery
- patients using essential oils applied to the skin for pain relief.
- In relation to aromatherapy:
- history of allergy to essential oils
- atopic skin
Show all 12Show fewer
- known allergies
- asthma
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
- nut allergies (in relation to sweet almond oil)
- individuals who are vulnerable or deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision
- patients participating in other interventional studies on pain.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Evaluation of the Impact of Aromatherapy Applied to the Skin as a Complementary Treatment on the Quality of Recovery (QoR) Following Lung Resection
The key to early surgery recovery lies in optimal and immediate control of postoperative pain. Despite standard pain management protocols, lung resection is often associated with acute, neuropathic, or chronic pain, compounded by the side effects of morphine-based treatments. In this context, aromatherapy can provide complementary support, both to alleviate pain and to improve the quality of recovery after surgery.
Read the detailed description
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in France. Lung resection is the standard treatment for early-stage or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but it remains a very painful procedure with a high risk of complications and a morbidity rate of around 30%. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have reduced morbidity and mortality through standardized perioperative care. Early and optimal pain control is essential to promote rapid mobilization, limit complications, and prevent chronicity. Despite multimodal management, acute, neuropathic, and chronic pain remain common after lung resection and impair the quality of recovery.
Complementary approaches, such as aromatherapy, are increasingly used to support conventional treatments, sometimes reducing the use of morphine derivatives and their adverse effects. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil and its main components, linalool and linalyl acetate, whose antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties are well documented, is of particular interest. Our study will evaluate the effect of daily application of 5% lavender essential oil (AromaQoR) to the skin around the surgical wound for three days following surgery on improving the quality of recovery.
The surgeon preselects eligible patients and the coordinating nurse ("IDEC") presents the study to them during a preoperative interview. The day before surgery, the IDEC obtains consent, has the QoR-15F completed, and performs an AromaQoR skin test. On the morning of surgery, only patients without allergic reactions are included and then randomized into two groups: placebo (PL) or intervention (AT). From D0 to D2, the intervention (placebo or AromaQoR) is applied every evening, while the QoR-15F questionnaire is collected daily by a different team. Pain scores (EN, DN4) are measured regularly, with only those taken the following morning being recorded, and all rescue analgesics are recorded. A post-operative consultation is conducted three weeks after discharge, during which the IDEC measures the EN and DN4 and collects the QoR-15F questionnaire completed by the patient. This consultation marks the end of follow-up for the trial.
- Conditions
- Thoracic Surgical Procedures, Postoperative Recovery, Pain, Complementary Therapies, Aromatherapy
- Being tested
- topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation, topical application of sweet almond vegetable oil
- Keywords
- Quality of Recovery, Aromatherapy, Essential Oil, Thoracic surgery
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulationOther
topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation, containing lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) diluted to 5% in sweet almond vegetable oil around the operated area
topical application of sweet almond vegetable oilOther
topical application of sweet almond oil around the operated area
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PL =placebo | Placebo comparator | The PL group: In addition to standard pain relief treatments, the PL group will receive topical application of sweet almond oil around the operated area at 9 p.m. from day 0 to day 2. Receives: Other: topical application of sweet almond vegetable oil |
| AT = aromatherapy | Experimental | The AT group: in addition to standard analgesic treatments, the AT group will receive topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation, containing lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) diluted to 5% in sweet almond vegetable oil around the operated area at 9 p.m. from day 0 to day 2. Receives: Other: topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in the total QoR-15F
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality score) on postoperative day 2 (measured in the evening, as it assesses, among other things, activity during the day) compared to the baseline value obtained the day before surgery, day -1, between the two groups.
Measured: day 2
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative Day 1 (evening)
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative D1 (evening) compared to the baseline value on Day-1
Measured: Day 1
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative Day 3 (evening)
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative Day 3 (evening) compared to the baseline value on Day-1
Measured: Day 3
Change in the total QoR-15F score 3 weeks after discharge (postoperative consultation)
Change in the total QoR-15F score 3 weeks after discharge (postoperative consultation) compared to the baseline value on D-1
Measured: Week 3
Change in pain score at Day 0 (= day of surgery)
pain score measured by numerical scale (EN) at each measurement time point compared to Day-1
Measured: Day 0
Change in pain score at from postoperative Day 1 to postoperative Day 3 (morning, evening, night)
pain score measured by numerical scale (EN) at each measurement time point compared to Day-1
Measured: Day 3
Change in pain score at 3 weeks after discharge (day of postoperative consultation).
pain score measured by numerical scale (EN) at each measurement time point compared to Day-1
Measured: week 3
Quantification of the consumption of Nefopam
number of ampoules consumed per day.
Measured: day 3
Quantification of the consumption of morphine derivatives (prescribed as a second-line treatment if Nefopam is ineffective)
number of tablets consumed per day
Measured: day 3
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Jun 2026
- Study startJun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionJun 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Thoracic Surgical ProceduresStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University Hospital, ToulouseThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 124 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University Hospital, Toulouse
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07622602
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RC31/25/0027
- Other IDs
- 2025-A01016-43
- Acronym
- AromaQoR
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 19 May 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Evaluation of the Impact of Aromatherapy Applied to the Skin as a Complementary Treatment on the Quality of Recovery (QoR) Following Lung Resection
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07622602
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AromaQoR / RC31/25/0027
- Conditions
- Thoracic Surgical Procedures, Postoperative Recovery, Pain, Complementary Therapies, Aromatherapy
- Keywords
- Quality of Recovery, Aromatherapy, Essential Oil, Thoracic surgery
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 124 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University Hospital, ToulouseUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jun 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The key to early surgery recovery lies in optimal and immediate control of postoperative pain. Despite standard pain management protocols, lung resection is often associated with acute, neuropathic, or chronic pain, compounded by the side effects of morphine-based treatments. In this context, aromatherapy can provide complementary support, both to alleviate pain and to improve the quality of recovery after surgery.
Detailed description
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in France. Lung resection is the standard treatment for early-stage or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, but it remains a very painful procedure with a high risk of complications and a morbidity rate of around 30%. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have reduced morbidity and mortality through standardized perioperative care. Early and optimal pain control is essential to promote rapid mobilization, limit complications, and prevent chronicity. Despite multimodal management, acute, neuropathic, and chronic pain remain common after lung resection and impair the quality of recovery.
Complementary approaches, such as aromatherapy, are increasingly used to support conventional treatments, sometimes reducing the use of morphine derivatives and their adverse effects. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil and its main components, linalool and linalyl acetate, whose antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties are well documented, is of particular interest. Our study will evaluate the effect of daily application of 5% lavender essential oil (AromaQoR) to the skin around the surgical wound for three days following surgery on improving the quality of recovery.
The surgeon preselects eligible patients and the coordinating nurse ("IDEC") presents the study to them during a preoperative interview. The day before surgery, the IDEC obtains consent, has the QoR-15F completed, and performs an AromaQoR skin test. On the morning of surgery, only patients without allergic reactions are included and then randomized into two groups: placebo (PL) or intervention (AT). From D0 to D2, the intervention (placebo or AromaQoR) is applied every evening, while the QoR-15F questionnaire is collected daily by a different team. Pain scores (EN, DN4) are measured regularly, with only those taken the following morning being recorded, and all rescue analgesics are recorded. A post-operative consultation is conducted three weeks after discharge, during which the IDEC measures the EN and DN4 and collects the QoR-15F questionnaire completed by the patient. This consultation marks the end of follow-up for the trial.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PL =placebo | Placebo comparator | Other: topical application of sweet almond vegetable oilThe PL group: In addition to standard pain relief treatments, the PL group will receive topical application of sweet almond oil around the operated area at 9 p.m. from day 0 to day 2. |
| AT = aromatherapy | Experimental | Other: topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulationThe AT group: in addition to standard analgesic treatments, the AT group will receive topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation, containing lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) diluted to 5% in sweet almond vegetable oil around the operated area at 9 p.m. from day 0 to day 2. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older,
- undergoing scheduled lung resection for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
- able to give free, informed, signed consent (no later than the day of inclusion and before any examination required by the research)
- person affiliated with or beneficiary of a social security system.
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Patients with chronic pain prior to surgery
- patients undergoing daily pain relief treatment prior to surgery
- patients using essential oils applied to the skin for pain relief.
- In relation to aromatherapy:
- history of allergy to essential oils
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulationtopical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation, containing lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) diluted to 5% in sweet almond vegetable oil around the operated area | Other | AT = aromatherapy |
| topical application of sweet almond vegetable oiltopical application of sweet almond oil around the operated area | Other | PL =placebo |
Primary outcome
Change in the total QoR-15F
Time frame: day 2
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality score) on postoperative day 2 (measured in the evening, as it assesses, among other things, activity during the day) compared to the baseline value obtained the day before surgery, day -1, between the two groups.
8 secondary outcomes
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative Day 1 (evening)
Time frame: Day 1
Change in the total QoR-15F score (Recovery Quality) on postoperative Day 3 (evening)
Time frame: Day 3
Change in the total QoR-15F score 3 weeks after discharge (postoperative consultation)
Time frame: Week 3
Change in pain score at Day 0 (= day of surgery)
Time frame: Day 0
Change in pain score at from postoperative Day 1 to postoperative Day 3 (morning, evening, night)
Time frame: Day 3
Change in pain score at 3 weeks after discharge (day of postoperative consultation).
Time frame: week 3
Quantification of the consumption of Nefopam
Time frame: day 3
Quantification of the consumption of morphine derivatives (prescribed as a second-line treatment if Nefopam is ineffective)
Time frame: day 3
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Jun 2026.
Related trials for Thoracic Surgical Procedures
Recruiting
Improving Thoracic Surgical Care Using Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePROS)
Thoracic
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
Methadone Versus Standard of Care for Pain Control in Minimally Invasive Lung Resection Surgery
Pain Management
Recruiting
Effect of Box Breathing Before Chest Tube Removal After Open-Heart Surgery
Open-Heart Surgery
RecruitingObservational study
Hemodynamic Evaluation and Assessment of DIRECT myocaRdial and Sublingual Capillary Perfusion in Thoracic Surgery Patients on Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Microcirculatory Perfusion
RecruitingObservational study
Pain Control and Recovery After Thoracic Surgery Using SPSIP Block
Postoperative Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing topical application of the "AromaQoR" formulation and topical application of sweet almond vegetable oil in people with Thoracic Surgical Procedures and Postoperative Recovery, run by University Hospital, Toulouse.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact claudia Lavedan (5 67 77 18 74 ext. +33, lavedan.c@chu-toulouse.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in the total QoR-15F (time frame: day 2). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Jun 2026.