Fate of Olfaction After Laryngectomy

The Nose after Laryngectomy

“…Although Ritter (1964) had suggested that there may be some residual sense of smell after laryngectomy, current generally accepted views are based on the work of Henkin and colleagues (Henkin et al 1968, Hoye et al 1970, Henkin & Larson 1972. They suggested that smell via the olfactory epithelium and first cranial nerve was completely abolished by laryngectomy, and any residual sensitivity to a vapour stimulus was mediated by what they termed 'accessory areas of olfaction' present in the lateral wall of the nose, the oropharynx and larynx, and supplied by the V, IX and X cranial nerves.…”

Chemosenses, Aging, and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

“…However, it has been reported that normal to near normal olfaction is still present if odorants are injected directly into the nose. 111 Prior to surgery, individuals with a laryngectomy may present with some olfactory deficits, but the loss primarily is due to a lack of airflow over the olfactory epithelium.…”

Chemosensory Function in Patients With Vagal Nerve Stimulators

“…Although the degree of such vagal-gustatory-olfactory interactions in humans is not clear, it has been suggested that an interruption of a laryngeal/vagal feedback mechanism (Henkin and Larson, 1972;Hoye et al, 1970) may contribute to olfactory dysfunction after laryngectomy (Henkin et al, 1968;Ritter, 1964). Although the hypothesis seems attractive, it is based on observations in only four cases (Henkin and Larson, 1972).…”