Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2009 Dec;52(12):980-984. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.12.980.

Changes of Taste Function after Palatopharyngeal Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

• Shin IH
• Kim SH
• Eun YG
• Shin SY
• Cho JS
• Kim SW

• KMID: 2277112
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2009.52.12.980

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative taste changes after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is regarded as an unusual and minor complication. This study aims to evaluate the objective changes of taste threshold according to time course and subjective symptoms change. MATERIALS AND METHOD: With 45 patients who underwent UPPP and 35 patients who underwent nasal surgery as control group, we have prospectively studied postoperative taste changes using a questionnaire, and an electrogustometer (EGM) with regard to symptoms at 7th, 28th days after the surgery. EGM was measured at 5 areas. Also, we have checked pre-operatively about the serum level of zinc.
RESULTS
With EGM, the threshold of taste was increased at 7th days after the surgery (p<0.05), but recovered 28th days after the surgery at the posterior part of the tongue in the UPPP group. There were no significant changes in subjective taste dysfunction, smell dysfunction, tongue sensory abnormality, and dysgeusia.
CONCLUSION
Taste changes after UPPP was transient and they disappeared within the 1st postoperative month. There were no patients who complained of subjective taste dysfunction, dysgeusia, tongue sensory abnormality after UPPP.

Keyword

Taste; Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty; Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

MeSH Terms

Dysgeusia
Humans
Nasal Surgical Procedures
Prospective Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
Smell
Taste Threshold
Tongue