Post-Surgery Taste Loss: Causes and Recovery After Pituitary Tumor Removal

Postoperative loss of taste?

Hello, the other day my mother was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor that was pressing on her optic nerve.
She underwent endoscopic surgery for its removal, during which her deviated septum was also addressed.
Currently, her nose is still congested, and she is scheduled for an endoscopic cleaning next week.
However, since the surgery, my mother has experienced a loss of taste; she cannot perceive any flavor from very salty, sweet, or sour foods, and this has persisted for a week.
The neurosurgeon indicated that taste should not be affected post-surgery.
I would like to ask if this loss of taste could be related to the treatment of her deviated septum or the nasal packing, and whether it is likely to recover.
Thank you.

Hsu Zhe-Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/27

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if the surgeon assesses that the surgery will not have an impact, it is advisable to wait until the nasal packing is removed and then observe whether the sense of smell gradually returns.

Reply Date: 2023/07/27

More Info

Post-surgery taste loss can be a concerning issue, especially after a procedure like pituitary tumor removal. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, and its surgery can sometimes lead to unintended effects on surrounding structures, including the nasal passages. In your mother's case, the surgery involved addressing both the pituitary tumor and a deviated septum, which may have contributed to her taste loss.

Causes of Taste Loss After Surgery
1. Nasal Congestion: After surgery, especially when the nasal passages are involved, swelling and congestion can occur. This can block the olfactory receptors responsible for the sense of smell, which is closely linked to taste. If the nasal passages are blocked, it can significantly diminish the ability to perceive flavors.

2. Olfactory Nerve Impact: The olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell, runs close to the pituitary gland. If there was any manipulation or trauma to this nerve during surgery, it could lead to temporary or even permanent changes in taste and smell.

3. Medications: Post-operative medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, can sometimes have side effects that affect taste. If your mother is on any new medications, it might be worth discussing this with her healthcare provider.

4. Surgical Trauma: The surgery itself can cause temporary changes in the nerves that affect taste. This is often a result of swelling or inflammation in the area surrounding the surgical site.

Recovery Timeline
The recovery of taste can vary significantly from person to person. In many cases, if the cause of the taste loss is related to nasal congestion or temporary nerve impact, improvement can be expected within a few weeks as swelling decreases and the nasal passages clear. However, if the loss of taste persists beyond a few weeks, further evaluation may be necessary.

Recommendations for Recovery
1. Follow-Up Care: It is crucial to keep follow-up appointments with her healthcare provider. If she is scheduled for a nasal endoscopy to clear the blockage, this may help alleviate some of the issues affecting her taste.

2. Nasal Care: Using saline nasal sprays or rinses can help keep the nasal passages moist and may assist in reducing congestion. This could potentially improve her sense of smell and, consequently, her taste.

3. Dietary Adjustments: While she may not be able to taste food as well, encouraging her to eat a balanced diet is important. Strongly flavored foods (spices, herbs) might still provide some enjoyment, even if the taste is diminished.

4. Patience and Monitoring: Encourage her to be patient as recovery can take time. Monitoring her symptoms and reporting any changes to her doctor will be essential for managing her recovery effectively.

Conclusion
In summary, taste loss after pituitary tumor surgery can be attributed to several factors, including nasal congestion, olfactory nerve impact, medications, and surgical trauma. While many patients experience a return of taste within weeks, it is essential to maintain open communication with healthcare providers and follow up on any persistent symptoms. With appropriate care and time, there is a good chance that her taste will improve.

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