Comparison of the Olfactory Functions in Conventional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to the Balloon Sinuplasty in Frontal Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Balloon sinuplasty is being used worldwide, however the olfactory functions after balloon sinuplasty are underestimated. The authors aimed to study the effects of conventional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) compared to the balloon sinuplasty on olfactory function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups as ESS and balloon sinuplasty. The olfactory functions of each subject were recorded preoperatively and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively. RESULTS: The initial assessments of olfaction were the same in both groups. After the surgery, the olfactory functions were significantly better in those of ESS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The olfactory function is preserved better in the conventional surgery compared to the balloon catheter dilation of the frontal sinus.