Olfactory Function and Quality of Life Following Microscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

Abstract

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Extent of Surgery in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Skull Base Approaches and the Effects on Sinonasal Morbidity

“…There also were conflicting results from investigators who reported on patient-based QoL after ETSS. Although some investigators found no change from preoperative levels to 2-4 months after surgery, 18,25 others found significant deterioration in sinonasal QoL after the operation. 26,27 With conflicting results, the current studies do not fully address questions about the potential for morbidity for patients undergoing ETSS, especially for the patient who will be undergoing more extensive surgeries.…”

Periodic olfactory assessment in patients undergoing skull base surgery with preservation of the olfactory strip

“…Kahilogullari et al found olfactory dysfunction in all patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery; however, the results in patients undergoing endoscopic approaches were better than those undergoing a microscopic approach . Similarly, Wang et al reported varying degrees of moderate to severe hyposmia in 60% patients undergoing microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.…”

Quality of Life and Work Capacity Are Unrelated to Approach or Complications After Pituitary Surgery

“…causing hypopituitarism, optic nerve damage or injury to other neural structures. In addition, the transsphenoidal route can cause nasal morbidity such as crusting, bleeding and decreased olfactory function which at least in the shorter perspective causes or adds to a decreased HRQoL [19][20][21] .…”