Consequences of Stapes Surgery on Tongue Morphological Characteristics in Narrow Band Imaging, Gustatory Function and General Sensation: A Prospective Tertiary Center Study

(1) Background: Chorda tympani (CT) manipulation during stapes surgery affects its functions. We hypothesized that this alters tongue morphology and sensory functions. (2) Methods: Patients undergoing stapes surgery were tested 1 day preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Narrow band imaging contact endoscopy (NBI) was used to determine the number of fungiform papillae (Npapillae) and the total score of blood vessel morphology (NBItotal). The taste was tested with taste strips. General sensation was tested with a static two-point discrimination. Tests were performed on ipsilateral and contralateral side of the tongue. (3) Results: 52 otosclerosis patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease of NBItotal (p = 0.005), Npapillae (p = 0.009), sensation of sweet (p = 0.003), salty (p = 0.035), sour (p = 0.036), and bitter taste (p = 0.013) within the test side during the follow-up. A statistically significant impact on presence of dysgeusia for sweet was found 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.005). Postoperative decrease in two-point discrimination score did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.056). (4) Conclusions: CT manipulation affects fungiform papillae density, vascular patterns and taste sensation. The general sensation of the tongue is not influenced by CT manipulation.