Taste disturbance after palatopharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea

Han Ren Hsiao, Hsueh Yu Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Taste disorder is a rare complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, and may have a significant impact on quality of life. Herein, we report a case of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a 51-year-old man who experienced taste disturbance after palatopharyngeal surgery using electro-cautery for developing a uvulopalatal flap. Gustatory function test using three-drop-method with solutions of highest concentration was implemented to assess the deficiency of four basic tastes. The results showed deficit of sweet taste associated with phantom of bitter taste. The patient reported constant spontaneous bitter taste and dysgeusia in sweet taste with poor quality of life at the 2-year follow-up. We suggest that patients are informed of the potential for taste impairment from palatopharyngeal surgery, as well as reducing the use of electrocautery in developing uvulopalatal flap to reduce damage to taste function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)191-194
Number of pages4
JournalKaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 04 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Palatopharyngeal surgery
  • Taste disturbance

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