A novel surgical treatment for long lasting unilateral peripheral parosmia: Olfactory cleft blocking technique

Abstract

The treatment of qualitative olfactory disease is challenging. We aimed to treat parosmia using a new minimally invasive surgical technique-the olfactory cleft blocking technique- by preventing odorants from reaching the olfactory epithelium. A novel surgical procedure for blocking the anterior and inferior openings of the olfactory cleft was accomplished in a patient with unilateral persistent peripheral parosmia. The HRCT and endoscopy were performed preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the anatomical structure of the olfactory cleft. The T&T olfactometer was used to assess the preoperative and postoperative olfactory function. After surgery, the patient's parosmia disappeared. Endoscopic examination and CT scan showed complete obstruction of the anterior and inferior portions of the olfactory cleft. No recurrence was reported during a 2-year follow-up. No surgical complications were reported except olfactory loss in the operative nostril. For patients with long-term unilateral peripheral olfactory dysfunction, the olfactory cleft blocking technique seems a novel, simple, safe and effective treatment. Further studies are required with a larger number of patients in order to access success rate.