Comparing Effects of Scalpel Versus Cautery on Sense of Smell in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Olfaction plays a vital role in a persons quality of life by helping to identify safe food, detect threats, and support social interactions. This research investigates how different surgical techniques during endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries affect olfactory ability, focusing on whether the use of a scalpel or cautery to elevate the nasoseptal flap better preserves smell function. The study is a prospective randomized controlled trial sponsored by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during their endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery one group will have the nasoseptal flap elevated using a scalpel, while the other group will have it elevated using cautery. These surgeries are minimally invasive and aim to remove tumors involving the pituitary and skull base with better visualization and faster recovery. The study compares the effects of these two surgical tools on the olfactory epithelium, which is at risk during such procedures. Participants will undergo assessments of their sense of smell using the Combined Olfactory Score I-smell test and Visual Analogue Scale before surgery, immediately after, and 3 to 6 months post-surgery. They will also complete the 22-item Sino Nasal Outcome Test questionnaire at these same time points. The study will monitor the changes in olfactory function over time to determine which method better preserves smell after surgery. Total participation includes preoperative and postoperative follow-ups lasting up to six months.

A Clinical Trial to Study the Effects on the Olfaction Capacity of an Individual Undergoing Skull Base Surgeries Using Cautery vs Scalpel .