Daijiworld News Network- London
London, Mar 7: In a groundbreaking medical breakthrough, doctors at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) have successfully restored the sense of smell and taste in patients suffering from long Covid through a pioneering surgical procedure.
The technique, known as functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP), is traditionally used to correct nasal septum deviations. However, in this study, surgeons utilized it to expand nasal airways, allowing more odorants—chemical compounds responsible for smell—to reach the olfactory region, thereby triggering the recovery process.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately six in every 100 Covid-19 patients develop long Covid, often experiencing symptoms such as the loss of smell and taste. With existing treatments like smell training and corticosteroids proving ineffective in some cases, fSRP has emerged as a promising alternative.
Leading the research, Prof. Peter Andrews, senior consultant surgeon in rhinology and facial plastic surgery, explained that the procedure increased the nasal airway by 30%, resulting in a similar increase in airflow. “This technique seems to ‘wake up’ the olfactory mucosa, helping patients regain their sense of smell,” he stated.
The study, published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery, involved 12 patients who underwent fSRP and a control group of 13 patients who continued with traditional smell training. All patients who received the surgery reported improved smell function, whereas 40% of those in the control group experienced a worsening condition.
Penelope Newman (27) from South London, one of the beneficiaries of the procedure, shared her experience:
"Before the surgery, I had accepted that I might never regain my sense of smell and taste. Now, I can enjoy food and scents just like before. Cooking and dining out have become enjoyable experiences again."
The success of this study marks a significant advancement in treating long Covid anosmia, offering hope to thousands struggling with persistent sensory loss.