The impact of anatomical variations of chorda tympani nerve on taste outcome after endoscopic stapedotomy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of anatomical variations of chorda tympani on postoperative taste sensation following stapedotomy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective cohort study that was conducted among 80 patients with otosclerosis who underwent endoscopic stapedotomy. The anatomical type of chorda tympani was identified. Postoperative taste outcome was assessed using both subjective questionnaire and chemical testing using taste strips.

RESULTS

The most common anatomical variant of chorda tympani was the attached long type. There were statistically significant differences between the anatomical variants of chorda tympani in postoperative taste disturbance by both subjective (P = .034) and chemical testing (P = .008) with the ultrashort type being the most common type associated with postoperative taste disturbance.

CONCLUSION

The anatomical variations of chorda tympani affect the nerve handling and manipulation which results in variation in postoperative taste sensation. The ultrashort type is the most common type associated with postoperative taste disturbance. Accordingly, facing this type during the surgery necessitates careful nerve handling and manipulation to avoid postoperative taste disturbance.