Long-term clinical and radiological results for fat graft obliteration in subtotal petrosectomy and cochlear implant surgery: a retrospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical, radiological, and functional results for subtotal petrosectomy and cochlear implant surgery with closure of the external auditory canal and fat obliteration. METHODS: We retrospectively included all consecutive cases of simultaneous subtotal petrosectomy and cochlear implant surgery performed at a tertiary referral center between 2009 and 2016 using the same surgical technique. All patients underwent postoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and annual audiological assessments. A 5-year minimum clinical, radiological, and audiological follow-up was performed. The early and late postoperative results were compared. The main outcome measures were complications, postauricular retraction, fat graft reabsorption, and audiological outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine procedures performed in 23 patients (six bilateral) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 67 ± 13.4 years and mean follow-up duration was 7.5 ± 2 years. At follow-up, postauricular retraction was detected in 24 cases (82.8%), including five cases (17.1%) with subcutaneous protrusion of implant and array. Fat graft volume was significantly reduced at late-HRCT in terms of maximum diameter (2.24 ± 1.0 cm vs 3.69 ± 0.7 cm; p < 0.0005) and surface area (1.88 ± 1.2 vs 4.24 ± 1.6 cm2, p < 0.0005). Six patients had extracochlear electrodes at late-HRCT (3/6 had an increased number of extracochlear electrodes), with a lowering of this group's performance of - 15% (p < 0.005) in the follow-up speech comprehension test. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal petrosectomy with cochlear implantation is an effective long-term technique in selected cases. Fat grafts showed significant reabsorption at long-term follow-up with reaeration of the middle ear spaces. Prolonged clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended for monitoring implant performances and late complications.

3D 4K Exo-Endoscopic Temporal Bone Dissection: A Novel Approach for Sharing the Anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Temporal bone dissection is overwide recognized as an ideal training method for otologic surgeons. The knowledge of temporal bone anatomy and especially of the course of infratemporal facial nerve is pivotal in practice. The 3D exoscope is an innovative and promising tool, that was recently introduced in ear surgery. METHODS: A high-definition 3D exoscope (3D VITOM®) mounted on the VERSACRANETM holding system (Karl Storz) was used to perform two temporal bone dissection, with the aim to study the anatomy of infratemporal facial nerve. The 3D endoscope (TIPCAM®1 S 3D ORL, Karl Storz) was used in combination to provide a close-up high-quality view and to provide a different angle of view on fine anatomical relationships. RESULTS: The high-definition 3D exoscope allowed to conduct the dissection with high quality visualization and to share the same surgical field with trainees. Moreover, it showed a high interchangeability with the 3D endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: 3D 4 K Exo-endoscopic temporal bone dissection seems to have benefits in terms of educational purpose, especially concerning anatomy understanding. The superiority in teaching value of this tool should be further investigated in cohort studies.

3D 4K exoscope in snore surgery simulation: pre-clinical experience.

PURPOSE: The application of 3D exoscopic technology is spreading worldwide, in several surgical scenarios. In this study, we present the first-time use of the exoscopic system (VITOM® and Versacrane™) in a cadaver simulation of transoral Snore Surgery. METHODS: All participants (n = 14) were asked to perform 2 exercises that simulate tasks required in Snore Surgery, they were then administered a questionnaire assessing their evaluation of the applied exoscopic technology. Participants were divided into groups according to age and experience. RESULTS: Mean zooming and focusing time was higher in young surgeons than in seniors, and similar results were obtained for mean procedural times. The responses to the questionnaire showed that in the vast majority (86%), the exoscopic technology was well rated. CONCLUSION: The exoscope can be considered a useful tool, thanks to its magnifying power and high-definition images, as well as for its indirect ability to enhance staff involvement in the procedure and for educational purposes.

The effect of drug-induced sleep endoscopy on surgical outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is the most widespread diagnostic tool for upper-airway endoscopic evaluation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, a consensus on the effectiveness of DISE on surgical outcomes is still lacking. This study aimed to quantify the effect of DISE on surgical outcomes and to compare DISE with awake examination using the Müller Maneuver (MM). METHODS: This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Published studies from the last 30 years were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and PubMed databases. Studies comparing DISE with awake examination, or MM were included. Surgical success rate was defined according to Sher's criteria, achieving a postoperative apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) value < 20 events per hour and a 50% improvement from preoperative AHI. Outcomes are presented in terms of surgical success, pre- and postoperative AHI, Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LOS). RESULTS: This review included 8 studies comprising 880 patients. DISE group showed a higher LOS increase, ODI decrease, ESS decrease than non-DISE group (6.83 ± 3.7 versus 3.68 ± 2.9, p<0.001; 19.6 ± 11.2 versus 12.6 ± 10.4, p<0.001; 6.72 ± 4.1 versus 3.69 ± 3.1, p<0.001). Differences in surgical success rate were significant only between DISE and MM (64.04% versus 52.48%, p = 0.016). AHI decrease resulted higher in non-DISE than in DISE group (39.92 ± 24.7 versus 30.53 ± 21.7, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results of this systematic review suggest that the evidence is mixed regarding a positive effect of DISE on surgical outcomes.

Association between human papillomavirus infection and malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Although sinonasal inverted papilloma malignant transformation has not been entirely understood, some studies have suggested that human papillomavirus acts as a potential oncogenic agent in the progression of sinonasal inverted papilloma to squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between human papillomavirus infection and sinonasal inverted papilloma transformation, taking also into account human papillomavirus types and their distribution in different geographic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature from the last 25 years was examined. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 163 malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma and 961 non-malignant sinonasal inverted papilloma were included in the overall analysis. From this sample it was possible to recognize a statistically significant increase in risk of malignancy of sinonasal inverted papilloma for human papillomavirus infection (OR = 2.43, 95 % CI: 1.45-4.08, I2 = 14.0 %). A positive association for patients with high-risk human papillomavirus types was noted (OR = 10.20, 95 % CI: 3.66-28.42, I2 = 15.9 %). In all the 3 geographical areas analyzed the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus significantly increased the probability of malignant transformation. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk human papillomavirus infection plays a key role in the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma and its research during histological examination can be of paramount importance. More prospective studies are needed to help further tease out this association.

Clinical outcome and quality of life of lacrimal sac mucocele treated via endoscopic posterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the surgical treatment for lacrimal sac mucoceles (LSM), yet variants of the procedure are several. Since LSM causes bone remodeling and thinning, especially of the lacrimal bone, osteotomy at that site is reasonably the easiest. The aim of the study is to support treatment of LSM via a posterior DCR approach, in a large cohort of cases, and report patients' quality of life after the procedure with validated questionnaires. METHODS: Single-center observational retrospective study on a specific methodology (endoscopic-DCR via posterior approach). Consecutive patients with LSM were enrolled in 2008-2020; CT scans were reviewed, bone thickness was measured bilaterally and compared. Resolution of mucocele, epiphora and infection were analyzed after 6-months. Patients were administered the Munk Score and Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q). Statistical analysis was done to compare bone thickness between the two sides; descriptive analysis of the questionnaires results was presented. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with LSM were enrolled. The LSM side showed frontal process thickness of 4.00 ± 1.06 mm (vs 3.90 ± 1.03 on the unaffected side; p = 0.23) and a lacrimal bone of 0.32 ± 0.12 mm (vs 0.41 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Resolution of infection was achieved in 97.4% cases, anatomical patency in 87.2%. After 5 years, 84.6% of patients reported no relevant epiphora (Munk score 0-1). Social impact (Lac-Q) due to lacrimal malfunctioning was still noted in 30.8% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adult LSM is a rare condition and DCR remains the mainstay of treatment. LSM physiopathology may support a preferred surgical choice via a posterior approach. Despite objective patency, some lacrimal way malfunctioning may be experienced in a minority of cases.

3D-4K exoscope-assisted temporal bone dissection: a new frontier in surgical training.

PURPOSE: To assess if 3D-4K exoscope is a valuable tool for temporal bone dissection and to evaluate its teaching potential. METHODS: Six consecutive 3D-4K-exoscope-assisted cortical mastoidectomies were performed by a novice, an intermediate and an expert surgeon (two dissections each). All dissections were entirely recorded and later evaluated independently by three other experienced surgeons. The dissection end-product was evaluated according to the Melbourne Mastoidectomy Scale (MMS). Paired t test was used to assess whether novice and intermediate surgeons have a score improvement in the second dissection compared to the first one. Surgeons' interactions, depth effect, and 3D impression were also assessed to perform a subjective analysis. RESULTS: Mean MMS scores for the novice, intermediate and expert surgeon were 11.3 ± 2.8, 13.8 ± 3.9 and 19 ± 1.3, respectively. Paired t test demonstrated a statically significant improvement between the first and the second dissection both for the novice and the intermediate surgeon (+ 4.7 and + 7 points; p = 0.0002). A high-quality magnification of the temporal bone was obtained, allowing the expert surgeon to identify all the anatomical structures without injuring them. The exoscope was capable of providing a high involvement in the dissections with very effective interactions between the expert surgeon and the trainees, that had access to the same surgical field view. CONCLUSION: 3D-4K-exoscope resulted adequate for a safe and effective mastoidectomy and showed a high potential for training and educational purposes. It can represent a valid option for surgical training of temporal bone dissection and a new interactive tool to understand the complex temporal bone anatomy.

Long-standing gustatory and olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to describe recovery of gustatory dysfunction (GD) and olfactory dysfunction (OD) in COVID-19 patients, and to analyze variables associated with early or late recovery. METHODS: Telephone surveys were administered during an 18-month follow-up after COVID-19 diagnosis. One hundred and thirty-two included patients rated olfactory and gustatory function at each follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients reported GD, of whom 91 (70.5%) reported severe GD, and 99 patients reported OD, of whom 84 (84.9%) reported severe OD. Seventy-two/129 (55.8%) and 52/99 (52.5%) patients reported an improvement in GD and in OD during the first 7 days from the onset, respectively. At 3-month follow-up, 110/120 patients (85.3%) recovered from GD, while 80/99 patients (80.8%) recovered from OD. At 18-month follow-up, a total of 120/129 patients (93.0%) recovered from GD and 86/99 patients (86.9%) recovered from OD; while 10 patients (7.0%) still reported GD and 13 patients (13.1%) still reported OD. Severe GD/OD at presentation were associated with late complete recovery of taste/smell (p = 0.019 and p = 0.034, respectively). Improvement over the first 7 days from onset was significantly associated with faster recovery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More than 80% of patients reported complete recovery of olfactory/gustatory function in the first 3 months after symptom onset. At 18-month follow-up, patients reporting complete recovery of gustatory and olfactory function were 93% and 87%, respectively. Severity of chemosensory dysfunction at the onset was negatively correlated to recovery, and improvement of taste and/or smell function within the first 7 days from symptom onset was significantly associated with early resolution.

3D 4K VITOM-assisted transoral removal of distal stone in the Wharton's duct.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the potential advantages of the transoral 3D 4K exoscope-assisted removal of calculus of the Wharton's duct. METHODS: A 24-year-old female with swelling in the left oral pelvis was diagnosed of sialolithiasis of distal Wharton's duct. A CT scan confirmed the lithiasic formation and a transoral removal in local anesthesia was planned through the 3D 4K exoscope (VITOM 3D, Karl Storz). RESULTS: A high-quality magnification of the oral pelvis was obtained, with an easy identification of the entrance of the left submandibular gland's duct and the calculus. After blunt dissection the Wharton's duct was incised and the calculus removed. An angiocatheter (20G) was carefully inserted in the duct and removed after 3 days. No postoperative complications occurred. At 7 days post-operative follow-up the patient had developed a neo-ostium 5 mm from the papilla. The exoscope provided a better involvement in the surgery and more interactions of all operating room personnel, residents and students, that had access to the same field of view of the first surgeon with the perception of the depth of the surgical field with 3D technology. CONCLUSIONS: The exoscope could represent a valid option for transoral removal of calculi, allowing for precise surgical dissection of the oral floor, thus reducing the risks for iatrogenic lesion of the lingual nerve. It showed also a high potential for training and educational purposes.

Introducing the High-definition 3D exoscope in ear surgery: preliminary analysis of advantages and limits compared with operative microscope.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of 3D exoscope (EX) in selected ear procedures assessing if this new technology could be an improvement in the field of ear surgery. METHODS: A case series of consecutive patients surgically treated with a post-auricular approach using EX was retrospectively compared with a similar previous series treated with operating microscope (OM). Patient demographics, indications for surgery, procedure type, complications, operating room setting time (ORst), operative time, adequacy of visualization, image quality, ergonomics aspects, instrument usability, and technique as a teaching tool were investigated. Thirteen patients were included in each group. Surgical procedures in EX group were nine tympanoplasties with mastoidectomy, 1 mastoidectomy for acute complicated mastoiditis, 1 revision miringoplasty, and 2 cochlear implants. Same types of procedures were enrolled in OM group. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups concerning ORst and operative time. In EX group, one complication occurred--a middle cranial fossa cerebrospinal fluid leak. Advantages of EX were lightness, maneuverability and compactness, less need of endoscopy during surgery, and teaching potential. Limits were a need of a large surgical corridor and the bright structures rendering in high magnification. CONCLUSION: EX resulted safe and efficient in treating diseases of the middle ear in post-auricular approaches. To date, EX advantages are not enough to abandon the OM, and it can be considered as an additional, innovative tool to be added to ear surgical equipment.

Applying the Exoscope to Lacrimal Surgery: Preliminary Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the exoscope as an assisting tool in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (e-DCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational retrospective study, the application of the VITOM® exoscope was studied in a group of 21 patients undergoing mono- or bilateral DCR. The primary endpoint was to evaluate resolution of symptoms (epiphora/dacryocystitis) at the 6-month follow-up and time for surgery. Qualitative features of the exoscope (intraoperative view of the surgical field) and comparison with the typical setting for DCR were analyzed as secondary endpoints. A questionnaire was administered to surgical team members (ENT surgeon, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse) to evaluate the perceived quality of this new technology (12 items valued as "good" = 2, "acceptable" = 1, and "not acceptable" = 0). A questionnaire score of 24 out of 24 was valued as "completely approved," score 20-23 as "moderately approved," and score ≤19 as "weakly approved." Patients were divided into 3 consecutive groups, and questionnaire scores by each team member were analyzed for tendencies. Statistical analysis was performed to test significance at p < 0.05. Local Ethical Committee approval was obtained. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between exoscope-set DCR and classic setting for concerned patient outcomes (failure rate: 3.2 vs. 3.8%, respectively, p = 0.896) and mean time for surgery (20' vs. 23', respectively, p = 0.091). The exoscope was valued by surgical team members as "completely approved" in 55.5% of cases, "moderately approved" in 39.7%, and "weakly approved" in 4.8%. Questionnaire scores by the ENT, ophthalmologist, and scrub nurse showed an average increase in the 3 consecutive groups (p = 0.119, p = 0.024, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The exoscope is a new tool that may support e-DCR. It has no effects on symptom outcomes (epiphora/dacryocystitis) and time for surgery compared to classic DCR. Based on self-perception, this new technology was accepted by all team members.

High definition three-dimensional exoscope (VITOM 3D) for microsurgery training: a preliminary experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a high definition 3D exoscope (VITOM®) for microsurgery training in a cohort of naïve medical students. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive medical students performed a battery of four exercises assessing basic microsurgical skills. The students were randomized in two different groups based on two different VITOM® holding systems (VERSACRANE™ and ARTip™ cruise). Participants self-reported the VITOM® system quality on a 4-point Likert scale (VITOM Quality Assessment Tool). The time needed to complete the exercises was analyzed. RESULTS: All students successfully completed the training, and no technical issues were raised during the simulation. The majority of the individual items were judged "good" or "very good" (n = 187; 94.4%), regardless of the two groups. "Image quality" (n = 21; 95%), "magnification rate" (n = 20; 91%), "stereoscopic effect" (n = 19; 86%), and "focusing" (n = 18; 82%) represented the best-rated items. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was measured in almost all items of the VITOM Quality Assessment Tool (p > 0.05). The time needed to perform each exercise showed a statistically significant difference between groups in two tests (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a VITOM-based microsurgery training. The students' subjective assessment of the VITOM® 3D system was promising in terms of technological quality and technical feasibility. Further studies are recommended to define which VITOM® holding system could be more appropriate for microsurgery training.

Exoscope-assisted surgery in otology and neurotology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review addresses the pressing need for an updated understanding of high-definition 3D exoscope role in contemporary otologic and neurotologic practice. With technological advancements driving innovations in surgical visualization, it is crucial to evaluate the efficacy of exoscope-assisted surgery compared to traditional microscopic approaches. By synthesizing recent literature, this review offers insights into the current state of exoscopic ear and lateral skull base surgery and its implications for clinical practice and research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature has focused on several key themes. Firstly, studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of exoscopic approaches for various otologic and neurotologic procedures. Secondly, comparative studies have highlighted similar outcomes with exoscopic techniques compared to conventional microscopic surgery, particularly in terms of operative time and complication rates. Thirdly, the exoscope can be a valuable tool for the education and training of surgeons. SUMMARY: The findings from recent literature underscore the growing significance of exoscope-assisted surgery in otology and lateral skull base practice. However, challenges such as high magnification image quality and learning curve must be addressed to optimize its widespread adoption. Overall, this review highlights the importance of continued research and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

Relationship between sleep quality and rhinitis in children: role of medical treatment with isotonic and hypertonic saline.

BACKGROUND: The nose represents the port of entry, the first part of the upper airway and accounts for 50% of its total resistance. Many authors identified rhinitis as relevant factor affecting quality of life, and sleep habits of sufferers and their caregiver's, particularly between 4-17 years old children. Both allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis may represent an important risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children. We evaluated the quality of sleep and the role of nasal irrigations with saline solutions in children with sign and symptoms of rhinitis. METHODS: An observational retrospective study was conducted on 58 children aged 3-6 years old receiving diagnosis of rhinitis according to clinical and amnestic evaluation. All recruited children were screened before medical topic treatment with the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire test in order to evaluate the sleep habits and after isotonic and hypertonic saline nasal irrigation for six months. One-Way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: Forty-nine of 58 recruited children reached the follow-up control after six months of medical treatment. Mean score at Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire before and after medical treatments was respectively 0.39 and 0.28. One-Way ANOVA test showed a significant statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal topic decongestant may be used only for short-term treatments, and they do not seem to have long-term results. Topic corticosteroids may be used for long term treatment and their correlations with OSA seem to have different results. This study aims to attracting the attention of pediatricians on the importance of nasal topic saline solutions irrigations in children with rhinitis in improving HRQoL decreasing snoring and apneas and so daytime symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis and asthma assessment of risk factors in pediatric patients: A systematic review.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent allergic disease in children and can be associated with asthma (A); this association can have significant effect on child's quality of life. The objective of this work was to systematically review existing literature on the risk factors of AR and A in children to better understand the link between these two diseases. We performed a literature search over the last 25 years in PubMed and Medline. Inclusion criteria comprised English language papers containing original human data with greater than 30 subjects and papers that statistically analyze the relationship between AR and A and the risk factor(s), in children population. A statistically significant correlation was found between children with AR and A and ambient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons exposure, live in an industrialized city with elevated traffic, dampness and moulds exposure, electric cooking, male gender, single nucleotide polymorphisms in PTNP22 gene and CTLA-4 gene, fast food and margarine products consumption, use of paracetamol in last year, history of tuberculosis, parental atopy, high total serum IgE, antibiotics in uterus and infections in uterus exposure, history of formula feeding and caesarian section. A strong and complex link between AR and A was accounted: A represents a major risk factor for the onset of AR, that correlates with more severe asthmatic symptoms. Even the onset of A in a child with AR worsen it. The interaction of genetic and environmental risk factors and the consequent epigenetic, microbiota and immunological changes, were found to led to the development of AR and A in children, with both atopic and non-atopic pathways. Close monitoring of evidenced risk factors may help with an early recognize and treat A in patients with AR.

Prevalence of Taste and Smell Dysfunction in Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Importance: Early diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may help control the diffusion of the disease into the population. Objective: To investigate the presence of sinonasal manifestations at the onset of COVID-19 to achieve an earlier diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective telephone survey study investigated patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 5 to March 23, 2020, who were hospitalized or discharged from a single referral center. Patients who were unable to answer (intubated, receiving noninvasive ventilation, or deceased) or unreachable by telephone were excluded. Of 359 consecutive patients, 204 fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 76 were unable to answer, 76 were unreachable by telephone, and 3 refused. Exposures: Sinonasal manifestations reported before COVID-19 diagnosis were studied with a validated questionnaire: Italian Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (I-SNOT-22). If reduction of taste and/or smell was documented by item 5 of the I-SNOT-22, further inquiries were made to score them separately on a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 indicating no problem and 5 indicating problem as bad as it can be. Main Outcomes and Measures: The prevalence of sinonasal manifestations preceding COVID-19 diagnosis. Results: Among the 204 patients enrolled (110 [53.9%] male; mean [SD] age, 52.6 [14.4] years), the median I-SNOT-22 total score was 21 (range, 0-73). I-SNOT-22 identified 116 patients (56.9%) with reduction of taste and/or smell, 113 (55.4%) with taste reduction (median score, 5; range, 2-5), and 85 (41.7%) with smell reduction (median score, 5; range, 1-5). Eighty-two patients (40.2%) reported both. Severe reduction of taste was present in 81 patients (39.7%), and severe reduction of smell was present in 72 patients (35.3%). Only 12 patients (14.8%) with severe taste reduction and 12 patients (16.7%) with severe smell reduction reported severe nasal obstruction. Severe reduction of taste and smell was more prevalent in female vs male patients (odds ratios, 3.16 [95% CI, 1.76-5.67] vs 2.58 [95% CI, 1.43-4.65]) and middle-aged vs younger patients (effect sizes, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.21-0.78] vs 0.85 [95% CI, 0.55-1.15]). No significant association was observed between smoking habits and severe reduction of taste (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.53-1.71) and/or smell (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.35-1.21). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this telephone survey study suggest that reduction of taste and/or smell may be a frequent and early symptom of COVID-19. Nasal obstruction was not commonly present at the onset of the disease in this study. The general practitioner may play a pivotal role in identifying potential COVID-19 in patients at an early stage if taste and/or smell alterations manifest and in suggesting quarantine before confirmation or exclusion of the diagnosis.