Changes in olfactory identification function in total laryngectomy patients - A retrospective study focusing on nasal...

We aimed to examine how the olfactory identification function of laryngectomy patients is altered by nasal airflow-inducing maneuver (NAIM), a method of olfactory rehabilitation, by analyzing incorrect and correct responses to olfactory identification tests to achieve odor classification.

Olfactory identification test (Open Essence [OE]) was administered to 46 patients who had undergone a total laryngectomy [Start group (NAIM was initiated from this study) = 17; (already) Using group = 19; and Nonuse group = 10]. The tests were immediately performed after the NAIM and after a mean duration of 8 months.

In the Start group, changes in OE correct and incorrect responses showed a significant increase and decrease in the number of correct (p < 0.01) and "detectable but not recognizable" responses (p < 0.05), respectively. In the Using group, errors related to "same cluster" and "detectable but not recognizable" increased and decreased significantly (p < 0.05), respectively. The Nonuse group showed a trend of demonstrating a relatively lower number of correct responses (p < 0.1). Results of odor classification showed that only "putrefaction and sulfur" did not have any significant positive responses in the Start group.

Evidently, the possibility of capturing changes in olfactory identification function by performing a false response analysis was observed, even if recovery appears to have stalled after long-term use of NAIM. Furthermore, including the "putrefaction and sulfur" cluster in the olfactory rehabilitation of laryngectomy patients and teaching them to consciously sniff "putrefaction and sulfur" in their daily lives is necessary.