Abstract
Background
This study was designed to investigate the effects of total laryngectomy on olfactory bulb (OB) volume and olfactory function prospectively. A prospective, longitudinal, randomized study was performed.
Methods
Fifteen subjects with advanced cancer of the larynx were recruited. The OB volume was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and olfactory function was assessed using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test. A detailed otorhinolaryngological examination was conducted and abnormalities that could potentially cause olfactory dysfunction were excluded. An experienced radiologist segmented the MRI coronal slices manually for OB volume measurements.
Results
The difference between the right and left OB volumes was not significant. OB volume decreased significantly 6 months postoperatively, from 64.2 to 47.1 mm3 (p < 0.001). The CCCRC test results, scored out of 8, decreased significantly from 5.6 to 2.4 (p < 0.001) and all patients were either anosmic or hyposmic.
Conclusion
This longitudinal prospective study was the first to examine the cessation of olfactory stimulation in olfactory deficiency resulting from OB functional and structural changes.
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