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 mm(3) (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.
RCT Entities:
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 mm(3) (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.