How does total laryngectomy affect taste and smell senses

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of taste and smell senses alteration in total laryngectomy MATERIAL and METHODS: The materials which were used for evaluation of taste and smell senses were easily provided and the tests were non-invasive. The smell sense was evaluated by using CCCRC smell identification test and n-butanol thresold test where taste sense was evaluated by using 3 different concentrations (low-medium-high) of four main taste (sweet, bitter, sour and salty) solutions. Results of taste and smell evaluation tests were statistically analized. RESULTS: Anosmia and severe hyposmia were evaluated in smell sense tests of total laryngectomy received patients. This finding shows the disfunction of smell sense in total laryngectomy. Different results of taste sense tests were found according to the kind and concentration of solutions; patients sensed sour solutions better than sweet, bitter and salty solutions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Total laryngectomy can causes decrease in olfactory functions and taste