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Olfaction and gustation abilities after a total laryngectomy
Gordana Mumovic1, Irena Hocevar-Boltezar2
1University Hospital for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Novi Sad, Serbia.
Radiology and Oncology
|September 2, 2014
Summary
Laryngectomy significantly impacts quality of life due to nasal and gustatory problems. Over 80% of patients experience issues with smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation), necessitating rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Quality of Life Studies
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Laryngectomy impacts speech, respiration, olfaction, and gustation.
- These sensory deficits significantly affect patients' quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence of nasal and gustatory issues post-laryngectomy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of various nasal problems after laryngectomy.
- To assess the prevalence of decreased gustation and olfaction in laryngectomized patients.
- To evaluate the impact of these sensory changes on quality of life.
Main Methods:
- 105 laryngectomized patients (9 women, 96 men) participated.
- A questionnaire assessed nasal symptoms, olfactory/gustatory function, allergies, and environmental irritants.
- Data on the impact on quality of life were collected.
Main Results:
- Olfaction was impaired in 51.4% and absent in 30.5%.
- Gustation was decreased in 26.7%, with dysgeusia in 11.4%.
- Significant correlations were found between olfaction and gustation (p=0.025).
Conclusions:
- Over 80% of laryngectomized patients report nasal and gustatory problems.
- Olfaction and gustation are interconnected and substantially impact quality of life.
- Rehabilitation of olfaction is essential post-laryngectomy, similar to speech rehabilitation.
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