Adrian M Harris1, S Michael Griffin. 1. Northern Oesophago-Gastric Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery were noted to suffer loss of taste and/or smell, a previously unreported problem. Our aim was to investigate the extent of this phenomenon, quantify recovery time, and identify potentially associated factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a postal questionnaire was sent to all patients still alive after oesophagectomy or gastrectomy, with a minimum 1-year follow-up and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence. Data were analysed for prevalence of deficit in relation to operation, age, sex, respiratory complications, and disease stage. RESULTS: A total of 109/119 (92%) patients completed the questionnaire: 50 gastrectomies and 69 oesophagectomies. Ten patients were excluded with prior sensory deficit. Overall, 45/99 patients (45%) suffered deficit (M:F = 1.6:1). No association was found with type of surgery: deficits for subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and oesophagectomy were 44, 46 and 46% respectively (chi(2) = 0.355, 2 df P > 0.5). No other parameter was associated, and full recovery occurred in 30 patients (67%) within a mean of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of taste and smell occurs in nearly one-half of all cases after upper gastrointestinal surgery. The pathophysiology is unknown, but it resolves in most patients within 6-12 months. This complication should be discussed as part of informed consent for patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery were noted to suffer loss of taste and/or smell, a previously unreported problem. Our aim was to investigate the extent of this phenomenon, quantify recovery time, and identify potentially associated factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a postal questionnaire was sent to all patients still alive after oesophagectomy or gastrectomy, with a minimum 1-year follow-up and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence. Data were analysed for prevalence of deficit in relation to operation, age, sex, respiratory complications, and disease stage. RESULTS: A total of 109/119 (92%) patients completed the questionnaire: 50 gastrectomies and 69 oesophagectomies. Ten patients were excluded with prior sensory deficit. Overall, 45/99 patients (45%) suffered deficit (M:F = 1.6:1). No association was found with type of surgery: deficits for subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and oesophagectomy were 44, 46 and 46% respectively (chi(2) = 0.355, 2 df P > 0.5). No other parameter was associated, and full recovery occurred in 30 patients (67%) within a mean of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of taste and smell occurs in nearly one-half of all cases after upper gastrointestinal surgery. The pathophysiology is unknown, but it resolves in most patients within 6-12 months. This complication should be discussed as part of informed consent for patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Authors: L Spotten; C Corish; C Lorton; P Ui Dhuibhir; N O'Donoghue; B O'Connor; M Cunningham; N El Beltagi; C Gillham; D Walsh Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2016-03-05 Impact factor: 3.603