Olfactory and gustatory outcomes following endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate olfactory, gustatory, and quality-of-life outcomes in patients who underwent endonasal transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Methods In this prospective study, the patients were assessed subjectively using the Malay version of sQOD-NS (short questionnaire of olfactory disorders in a negative statement) and objectively using the culturally adapted Sniffin’ Sticks smell test and taste test preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The Sniffin’ Sticks smell test consists of odor identification, odor discrimination, and odor threshold tests. The taste test consists of different sweet, salt, sour, and bitter concentrations. Results Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The study comprises 45% female and 55% male. On average patients’ ages were 49.5 years. In this study we found a significantly reduced in odor identification score ( p = 0.049) post-surgery; however, there was no statistically significant difference in odor threshold, odor discrimination, and taste. The olfactory quality of life outcome based on the Malay version of sQOD-NS ( p = 0.001) was significantly reduced after surgery. There was no significant difference in the Sniffin’ Sticks smell test ( p < 0.178) and taste test ( p < 0.425) pre-surgery and post-surgery. The tumor’s location, either sellar or suprasellar, did not influence the smell outcome of patients postoperatively ( p = 0.056). Conclusion The study showed that the endoscopic transsphenoidal technique for pituitary surgery does not pose permanent olfactory disability.