Taste disturbance after mastoid surgery: immediate and long-term effects of chorda tympani nerve sacrifice

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate and long-term taste effects of chorda tympani nerve sacrifice in patients undergoing open cavity mastoidectomy. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective, questionnaire survey of patients receiving follow up and aural toilet following open cavity mastoidectomy, over a four-month period. The questionnaire assessed taste disturbance, both immediately post-operative and current. Available surgical records were reviewed for chorda tympani references. RESULTS: Of 57 patients, six had undergone surgery to both ears. Of those who could recall (37/57), 24.3 per cent were aware of taste disturbance immediately after surgery, while 8.7 per cent reported current disturbance (median post-operative interval, 28.5 years; range, one month to 67 years). No bilateral surgery patients were aware of taste disturbance. CONCLUSION: Mastoidectomy consent procedure emphasises the risk of hearing loss and facial nerve injury, yet in open cavity surgery chorda tympani division is almost inevitable. Reassuringly, most post-operative taste disturbance resolves, and most patients are not aware of long-term disturbance. However, a small percentage suffer ongoing taste disturbance; this could be significant for professional chefs and wine-tasters. The risk of taste disturbance should be addressed in the consent procedure.