There has been recent media coverage about published research which assessed whether functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) could improve olfactory dysfunction in patients with persistent Covid-19 related smell loss compared to a control group undergoing olfactory training (OT).

The study had a small sample size, with 12 people in the treatment group (being given fSRP) and 13 people in the control group. All participants had nasal structural issues that can be associated with smell impairment independently of having COVID-19, and fSRP is a surgical procedure in which surgeons straighten the cartilage and bone between the nostrils (the septum). The study design cannot exclude the possibility that the observed improvement in olfactory function amongst those in the treatment group is due entirely to improved airflow or resolution of other structural problems. No data is presented in the published paper that suggests any change in function of the smell receptors or parts of the brain that deal with smell signals, nor is any biological mechanism presented that could explain how this surgery could resolve any olfactory system damage resulting from a viral infection.

Details of published paper on Functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP):

The effectiveness of functional septorhinoplasty in improving COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Pendolino AL, Scarpa B, Andrews P. 

https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2535-0153