Quantitative effects of nasal surgery on olfaction

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Rhinology

Background:

• Olfaction, or the sense of smell, is crucial for quality of life.
• Nasal surgery, including septorhinoplasty, can potentially impact olfactory function.
• Understanding these effects is vital for patient counseling and surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the impact of nasal surgery on olfactory function.
• To correlate subjective patient reports with objective olfactometry findings.
• To identify factors influencing olfactory changes after nasal procedures.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 100 patients undergoing nasal surgery.
• Pre- and postoperative evaluation of subjective olfaction.
• Objective assessment using pre- and postoperative olfactograms via an office olfactometer.

Main Results:

• 32 patients maintained normal olfaction post-surgery.
• 49 patients reported improved olfaction after nasal surgery.
• 8 patients experienced decreased olfaction; 2 cases were associated with allergic rhinitis, and 1 patient had a total loss of smell post-septorhinoplasty.

Conclusions:

• Nasal surgery predominantly results in improved or unchanged olfactory function.
• While significant olfactory decline is rare, it can occur, sometimes related to specific conditions like allergic rhinitis.
• Most patients can expect their sense of smell to be unaffected or enhanced following nasal surgery.