Effects of endoscopic minimally invasive surgery on olfactory function and quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic minimally invasive surgery (EMIS) in improving olfactory function and quality of life among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Methods: A cohort of 117 patients diagnosed with CRSwNP between January 2020 and June 2024 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were assigned to either a control group (n=50, treated with conventional endoscopic sinus surgery [ESS]) or a research group (n=67, treated with EMIS). Comprehensive assessments were conducted, including treatment efficacy, safety profile, olfactory function, nasal ventilation (airway resistance), nasal status, stress biomarkers, and quality of life. Results: Compared to the control group, the research group showed significantly better outcomes in terms of: (1) overall therapeutic efficacy, (2) postoperative safety profile (lower postoperative complication rates), (3) olfactory function recovery, (4) nasal ventilation and functional status, (5) quality of life improvement, and (6) reduced surgical stress response (all P<0.05). Conclusion: EMIS significantly improves olfactory function and quality of life in patients with CRSwNP, offering clinical advantages over conventional ESS and supporting its broader clinical application.