The role of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to improve olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis patients without polyps

Background: Olfactory dysfunction is one of the chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms. A large number of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps whose treated by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) need to be investigated using Sniffin ‘ sticks test before and after surgery. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of olfactory function improvement after FESS in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps. Methods: This study is an experimental study using one group pre-post test design. The measurement of the threshold, discrimination, identification, and TDI scores were assessed by Sniffin’ stick test in 3 periods (before FESS, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after FESS intervention). Results: The mean value of the TDI score before FESS performed was 19.43 ± 7.32 (hyposmia), 2 weeks after the operation was 26.9 ± 5.78 (hyposmia), and 4 weeks after the operation was 33.25 ± 3.86 (normosmia).There is a significant mean difference in thresholds, discrimination, identification, and olfactory function (TDI) scores in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps before FESS, 2 weeks after the procedure, and 4 weeks after FESS. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in olfactory function after FESS performed in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps.