title: Postoperative alterations in taste and smell.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alterations in taste and smell, including but not limited to anosmia, ageusia, hypogeusia, and dysgeusia, have been described in association with various medications, including anesthetic agents. Frequently, these symptoms occur 1-2 weeks after medication administration and last several months. While such a phenomenon is a rare occurrence, it nonetheless can significantly impact patients' satisfaction and quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  The methodology consisted of a thorough literature search using the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases utilizing keywords such as anosmia, ageusia, olfactory disorders, postoperative, and anesthesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results yielded several previously published case report, and were not limited to a specific type of anesthesia. Based on available literature, we review the physiology of taste and smell as well as the medications associated with loss of these senses. We describe perioperative agents that could lead to postoperative complications associated with anosmia and and ageusia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on available literature recommendations for anesthesiologists caring for patients at risk for this occurrence are presented in this review. The symptoms are usually temporary as in the majority of the patients the sensory receptor cells are able to regenerate themselves after injury. Anesthesia providers need to aware of this phenomenon to be able to reassure patients and possibly avoid anesthetic techniques associated with anosmia and ageusia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: Kelly Galina
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Elterman
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: Seshagiri Rao
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mallampati
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, USA.
authors.forename: Alan David
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: Richard Dennis
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Urman
keywords: Ageusia; Anosmia; Olfaction Disorders; Postoperative Complications