The groundbreaking functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) surgery is helping long Covid patients restore their lost sense of smell and taste. Surgeons believe that by expanding nasal airways, this technique stimulates olfactory recovery, offering new hope to millions worldwide.

Understanding Long Covid and Its Lasting Effects

Long Covid is a condition where symptoms persist long after the initial infection subsides. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about six in every 100 Covid-19 patients develop long Covid. Symptoms vary widely, but loss of smell and taste significantly impact quality of life.

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Why Do Some Patients Lose Their Sense of Smell and Taste?

The olfactory system, located in the nasal cavity, is responsible for detecting scents and flavors. During Covid-19 infection, the virus can damage olfactory neurons, leading to anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste). Some patients recover naturally, while others experience persistent sensory impairment.

Traditional Treatments for Smell and Taste Loss

Before surgical intervention, doctors have recommended various treatments to restore olfactory function, including:

  • Smell Training: Patients repeatedly sniff strong scents like lemon, rose, and eucalyptus.
  • Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory medications help reduce swelling in nasal tissues.
  • Nasal Irrigation: Saline solutions clear nasal passages, improving airflow.
  • Vitamin Supplements: Zinc and Vitamin A support olfactory nerve regeneration.

Despite these treatments, some patients continue to suffer from anosmia for months or even years.

How Functional Septorhinoplasty (fSRP) Works

The fSRP procedure, typically used to correct a deviated nasal septum, improves airflow into the olfactory region. Surgeons at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) hypothesized that increasing nasal airway size could facilitate odorant delivery to the olfactory sensors.

The Science Behind fSRP’s Success

  1. Enhanced Airflow: The procedure increases nasal airway size by approximately 30%, allowing more odorant molecules to reach the olfactory mucosa.
  2. Stimulation of Olfactory Neurons: Improved airflow “wakes up” dormant olfactory receptors, stimulating smell recovery.
  3. Gradual Taste Restoration: As smell and taste are closely linked, improving one often leads to improvements in the other.

Success Stories: How fSRP Changed Lives

Penelope Newman’s Journey to Recovery

Penelope Newman, 27, from South London, suffered from anosmia for over two years. Conventional treatments failed to help, and she had resigned herself to a life without taste and smell. After undergoing fSRP, her sensory perception dramatically improved.

“Since the surgery, I have begun to enjoy food and smells the same way I used to. I can now cook and eat garlic and onions, and people can cook for me too. I can go out to eat with my friends and family,” said Newman.

Clinical Study Findings

A recent trial compared two groups of long Covid patients:

  • fSRP Group (12 patients): All experienced significant improvement in smell and taste.
  • Control Group (13 patients using smell training only): None reported improvements; 40% experienced further decline.

The findings, published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery, demonstrate that fSRP is a promising intervention for long Covid-related anosmia.

FAQs About fSRP Surgery for Long Covid

Is fSRP a Permanent Solution for Smell and Taste Loss?

Yes, for most patients, improvements are long-lasting. However, results may vary based on individual factors such as severity of nerve damage.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from fSRP Surgery?

Patients typically recover within two to four weeks. Some report improvements within days, while others experience gradual restoration over months.

Are There Any Risks Associated with the Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, fSRP carries risks such as nasal bleeding, infection, or temporary swelling. However, complications are rare, and most patients experience positive outcomes.

The Future of Smell and Taste Recovery

With fSRP showing promising results, researchers are exploring additional treatments, including:

  • Gene Therapy: Targeting olfactory nerve regeneration.
  • Stem Cell Therapy: Repairing damaged olfactory receptors.
  • Nasal Implants: Enhancing odorant delivery to the olfactory mucosa.

Functional septorhinoplasty is proving to be a game-changer for long Covid patients suffering from anosmia and ageusia. By improving nasal airflow, the procedure effectively “kickstarts” the sense of smell and taste. As research continues, fSRP may become a standard treatment, bringing relief to thousands battling persistent sensory loss after Covid-19.