This study assessed the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery with regard to olfactory function and nasal obstruction, in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with, and without, nasal polyposis. One hundred and thirteen patients entered the study, and assessments were performed pre- and postoperatively at six months. Olfaction, measured by both the UPSITT and VAS, improved significantly in CRS patients with nasal polyps.
There was no significant improvement in the sense of smell, as measured by the same parameters, in the subgroup of CRS patients without nasal polyposis. Interestingly, a sizeable proportion of patients in both subgroups noted a deterioration in their sense of smell.
This is the first study to use the NOSE scale to assess nasal blockage in patients with CR. There was a significant improvement in the NOSE scale in both subgroups of patients following endoscopic sinus surgery. This study is of benefit when counselling patients with regard to the potential benefits of endoscopic sinus surgery.
