Olfactory Change Pattern After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa that is clinically associated with sinus pressure, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and a decreased sense of smell that lasts more than 12 weeks. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for medically refractory CRS is mainly undergone to improve sinus function and access to topical medicinal treatments. However, olfactory changes after ESS can be unpredictable. Aim The current study aimed to assess olfactory change patterns after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods A record-based retrospective study was conducted in Aseer Central Hospital (ACH) ear, nose, and throat outpatient (ENT OPD) department and Khamis Mushayt General Hospital from August 15, 2021, to December 15, 2021. Data were collected using pre-structured data extraction sheet to avoid errors. Data extracted and collected included patients' biodemographic data, CRS-associated symptoms, and endoscopic surgery-related data, including duration since surgery, presurgical medications, and duration of surgery. Also, postsurgical complications were extracted, especially olfactory complications. Results A total of 168 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery in the Aseer region were included. Patient ages ranged from 10 to 61 years, with a mean age of 39.8 ± 12.4 years old. Regarding the associated symptoms and complaints of the study patients, 110 (65.5%) complained of sinusitis, and 86 (51.2%) had allergic RS. The postsurgical complications of patients with CRS who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery were olfactory dysfunction (OD) in 32 (19%), no complications in 115 (68.55%), and other nonspecific complications, such as headache, drowsiness, nose dryness, and bleeding, in 21 (12.55%). Also, 71 (42.3%) reported that they hardly perceive the fragrance in perfumeries. Conclusion In conclusion, olfactory impairment is a frequent clinical presentation in patients with CRS. In this study, olfactory dysfunction was improved, except among nearly one out of each five patients after ESS. Olfactory dysfunction was more among patients who had undergone recent surgery and those with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Also, among patients who reported no complications, olfactory function did not return to normal in most patients as they hardly perceive fragrance.