OBJECTIVE Olfactory dysfunction is a significant postoperative complication related to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). This study aimed to determine the impact of endoscopic TSS on olfactory function. METHODS We conducted… Click to show full abstract
OBJECTIVE Olfactory dysfunction is a significant postoperative complication related to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). This study aimed to determine the impact of endoscopic TSS on olfactory function. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 32 patients with sellar or parasellar tumors who were treated with endoscopic TSS between December 2013 and October 2016. TSS was performed via a right transseptal approach. We performed the Toyota and Takagi (T&T) olfactometer test and the venous olfaction test for the evaluation of olfactory function preoperatively and at one and three months postoperatively. RESULTS The results of the T&T test showed that olfactory function deteriorated in four out of 32 (12.5%) patients one month postoperatively and improved to preoperative baseline levels in all patients three months after the procedure. Olfactory function deteriorated in one of 31 (3.2%) patients three months after the procedure. The venous olfaction test revealed no response in one of 31 (3.2%) patients one month postoperatively, with no improvement three months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic single nostril transseptal TSS for sellar or parasellar tumor resection has minimal impact on olfactory function.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.