Chemosensory Functions After Glossectomy—A Cross‐Sectional Pilot Study. (18th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grasl, Stefan; Janik, Stefan; Wiederstein, Stephanie; Haymerle, Georg; Renner, Bertold; Mueller, Christan A.
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 133:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2022-10-18
• Subjects: chemosensory functions -- functional outcome -- glossectomy -- head and neck surgery -- taste; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.30454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate potential interactions and compensatory mechanisms of subjectively impaired taste function with ortho‐ and retronasal olfaction after glossectomy. Study Design: In this cross‐sectional pilot study, chemosensory functions were assessed in 25 patients with tongue carcinomas after glossectomy. The orthonasal‐, retronasal‐, and gustatory functions were tested with a mean time of 25 months after surgery with the Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test kit (ISST), the Candy Smell‐27 test (CST‐27) and the Taste strip test (TST). Visual analog scales (VAS) were additionally used for self‐assessment of taste, flavor perception, and odor ranging from 0 (no perception) to 10 (excellent perception) and further correlated with our psychophysical evaluated outcome measures. Results: The TST, ISST, and CST‐27 tests revealed that only eight (32%) and 13 (52%) glossectomy patients had normal taste and orthonasal function, e 21 (84%) patients showed normal retronasal function. Importantly, neither extent of resection and reconstruction nor prior radiotherapy affected chemosensory functions. Contrary, 20 (80%) patients rated their taste and flavor perception as acceptable (VAS >5). Results of the TST, ISST, and CST‐27 tests did not correlate with the equivalent self‐assessments of taste ( p = 0.260, r = 0.234), odor ( p = 0.588, r = −0.114), and flavor ( p = 0.728, r = 0.073) perception. Conclusion: There was a significant discrepancy between self‐perception of taste and flavor and assessed gustatory function after glossectomy. A contribution of the intact retronasal olfactory system could be a possible explanation of our results. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:375–382, 2023 Abstract : In this cross‐sectional pilot study, chemosensory functions and potential interactions and compensatory mechanisms were assessed in 25 patients after glossectomy. The psychophysical chemosensory testing revealed a significant discrepancy between a normal self‐perception in 80% and the assessed gustatory function with normal taste function in only 32% of our collective. A contribution of the intact retronasal olfactory system with a normal retronasal function in 84% of our patients could be a possible explanation of our results.