Investigating the effects of endoscopic skull base surgery on smell

The Impact of Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery on Olfaction

Observational Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT06874426

This study tests how endoscopic skull base surgery affects the sense of smell in patients to better understand any smell-related problems that might happen after the surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment154 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06874426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery affects the sense of smell in patients. It combines clinical assessments with histomolecular analysis to understand the incidence and causes of olfactory dysfunction after surgery. The research team will evaluate patients before and after the procedure, collecting tissue samples to analyze the underlying mechanisms of any smell-related issues. The goal is to clarify the impact of this surgical approach on both olfactory and trigeminal functions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing anosmia or those who have had previous endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of olfactory dysfunction following skull base surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of olfactory dysfunction post-surgery is not extensively studied, similar approaches in related fields have shown promise in understanding sensory impacts of surgical interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients scheduled for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing anosmia
* Patients has a history of previous endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MeningiomaPituitary DiseasePituitary AdenomaCraniopharyngiomaEndoscopic Pituitary SurgeryOlfactory Dysfunctionolfactory dysfunctiontrigeminal dysfunction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.