Changes in Olfactory Acuity Induced by Total Inferior Turbinectomy

Abstract
• The short-term and long-term effects of total inferior turbinectomy on smell acuity was assessed in two groups of patients. Olfactory thresholds were determined by a three-way forced-choice method, using four odorants. Resection of obstructive inferior turbinates resulted in a decrease in olfactory thresholds in 22 of 24 tested patients. No deleterious effect on smell acuity was observed in 16 patients tested 2½ years or more after surgery. Subjective assessment of olfactory acuity is unreliable. It is our intention to focus attention on an aspect of intranasal surgery not frequently reported. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1986;112:195-197)