Nasal airway resistance and olfactory acuity following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Rhinological problems after a transseptal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary tumors were prospectively investigated in 25 patients with special reference to nasal airway resistance and olfactory acuity. Five patients showed a significant increase in the unilateral and/or total nasal airway resistance. Endoscopic observation of the nasal cavity revealed the presence of crust formation, hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, or synechiae. Three patients showed a significant deterioration in olfactory acuity. Coronal CT views with good visualization of the olfactory cleft were helpful in evaluating causes of hyposmia postoperatively.