Olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Rhinology
• Olfactory Science

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction is common in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
• Previous studies on functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for CRS and olfactory improvement yield variable results.
• The efficacy of FESS in improving olfactory function in CRS patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of FESS on olfactory function in patients with CRS.
• To compare olfactory function using three distinct olfactory tests before and after FESS.
• To assess the correlation between olfactory function, symptom severity, and CT scan findings.

Main Methods:

• Seventy CRS patients underwent olfactory testing (UPSIT, STT, odor memory/discrimination) pre- and post-FESS (6 months).
• Patient self-perception of smell was assessed via questionnaire.
• CT scans evaluated CRS severity preoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in self-reported olfactory function post-FESS (74.3% impaired pre-op vs. 68.6% post-op).
• Olfactory test scores showed no meaningful changes 6 months after FESS.
• Preoperative correlations noted between CT severity scores and symptom, threshold, and UPSIT scores.

Conclusions:

• FESS demonstrates minimal impact on olfactory function in severe CRS patients, irrespective of the assessment method.
• Subtle preoperative associations exist between olfactory function and CRS severity via CT.
• Olfactory test measures were internally consistent pre- and postoperatively.