Optimización de la función respiratoria y olfativa en la cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal y rinoseptoplastia

Abstract

Nasal obstruction is a frequently reported symptom that prompts patients to seek appointments with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists. Loss of smell, while commonly associated with nasal issues, often occurs with low self-awareness, making it challenging to assess patients' symptoms solely based on their clinical history. Anatomical factors can significantly impact both olfactory function and nasal airflow, making an understanding of their pathologies and surgical solutions crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to assess methods for enhancing the results of nasal surgery, particularly concerning olfactory function and nasal airflow. We initiated the investigation with a comprehensive overview of reviews of literature pertaining to the loss of smell and nasal obstruction. Subsequently, we developed and validated the 'Algarve Smell Test.' To facilitate clinical application, we established a specialized 'rhinology and olfaction' consultation that adhered to a predefined protocol. For cases where surgery was deemed necessary, we closely monitored surgical outcomes, and in select patients, a local anesthetic protocol was administered. The optimization of respiratory function in endoscopic sinus surgery and rhinoseptoplasty was predominantly accomplished through meticulous preoperative selection, employing subjective nasal permeability scales such as the NOSE and SNOT- 22. This decision-making process was further refined by integrating standardized clinical history, objective examinations, and complementary tests. In parallel, the optimization of olfactory function was achieved through the administration of smell tests. Notably, this improvement was observed in endoscopic sinus surgery but was less pronounced in rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures. Patients undergoing endoscopic surgery experienced marked improvements in their overall smell scores, primarily due to enhanced odor threshold and discrimination scores. Intriguingly, patients with septoturbinovalvular disorders often exhibited olfactory function within the normal range, and, on occasion, even exceeded the sensory thresholds of non-operated groups. However, despite subjective improvements in nasal permeability in this cohort, there was no corresponding effect on the clinical evaluation of olfaction.