Comparison of Nasal Mucociliary Function before and after Septorhinoplasty Surgery Using Saccharin Test

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to compare mucociliary function (MCF) of nasal cavity before and after septorhinoplasty surgery by saccharin test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 70 patients who needed septorhinoplasty surgery in Kashani and Alzahra Hospital during 2013–2014 to measure MCF. Saccharin test was performed on the patients before surgery and on three more intervals 1 day, 1 week, and on month after ward and the readings were recorded. Saccharin test is performed by placing saccharin granules on the anterior part of inferior turbinate and the time the patient feels the sweet taste is recorded the normal range is below 30 min. RESULTS: Mean of test for each time interval was obtained and comparison of measurements was made reading were mean of saccharin test before surgery (7.74 ± 1.65 min) the day after surgery (7.75 ± 1.7 min), on week after surgery (15.04 ± 3.4), and 1 month after surgery (8.49 ± 2.08 min). The readings before surgery did not have statistically significant difference with the readings 1 day after surgery P = 0.99, but comparison of test results at other time intervals were significant (P < 0.001). A relative increase in saccharin test time was seen in a period of 1 month after surgery the rise was more noticeable in the 1(st) week compared to 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study in the period after septorhinoplasty surgery MCF undergoes slight impairment that gradually progresses to normal values during 1 month after surgery.