Long-term olfactory outcome after nasoseptal flap reconstructions in midline skull base surgery.

BACKGROUND

The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is a universally used surgical technique to cover defects of the skull base after extended sinonasal surgery. Long-term follow-up of complications, sequelae, and smell function is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to investigate monorhinal olfaction after transsphenoidal skull base surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent skull base surgery for midline lesions (craniopharyngioma and pituitary tumors) by using a NSF, also referred to as the Haddad flap, were assessed for their long-term outcome. Endoscopic examination was conducted and the bilateral "Sniffin' Sticks" test was performed before surgery. Each side was tested separately in the postoperative follow-up consultation.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included in the study. No flap failures were observed. One anterior perforation and one small posterior septal perforation were found during long-term follow-up. None of the patients had nasal breathing impairment, whereas two patients had nose bleeds. A significant decrease in olfactory function was observed on the flap donor side in four patients (20%) compared with that observed in one patient (5%) on the opposite side.

CONCLUSION

NSF reconstructions for midline lesions were efficient and safe in the long term. Olfactory impairment on the donor side was frequently encountered. Although subclinical, these findings justified a monorhinal smell testing before surgery, which possibly prevented bilateral smell impairment in patient with preexisting single-sided olfactory loss.