What Surgery Is Done for Mucormycosis?

Dr. K. R. Meghanadh

The surgery done for mucormycosis is debridement surgery. Debridement is done to remove infected tissues to control fungal growth. When the surgery is combined with powerful antifungal treatment, it increases the chances of survival. You can't skip either one of them.

Importance of Debridement Surgery in Mucormycosis Treatment

Limitations with Antifungal medications used for Mucormycosis Treatment

The dosage of antifungal medication for mucormycosis treatment depends on the amount of fungal infection present in the body. These medications are extremely potent and must be administered slowly, under constant monitoring, due to their severe side effects. For this reason, antifungal treatment is typically given in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Patients often find it difficult to tolerate the required doses if surgery is not performed. To manage the fungal load and reduce the medication dosage needed, doctors usually perform surgeries at regular intervals. Without these surgical interventions, it is nearly impossible to deliver a sufficient dose, as the rapid growth of the fungus requires more aggressive treatment.

Debridement surgeries

During debridement surgery for mucormycosis, the surgeon aims to remove as much infected tissue as possible to reduce the fungal load and prevent further spread. The procedure must be done with precision, as the dosage of antifungal medication depends on the remaining fungal presence. Surgeons often remove partially infected non-vital tissues, while they may spare vital tissues or organs if the fungal infection is under control.

The number of debridement surgeries required can vary greatly based on the severity of the case and the patient's condition, as well as the surgeon’s expertise. On average, at least three surgeries are usually needed. In severe cases, there have been instances where up to 20 surgeries were performed on a single patient, such as the case managed by Dr. Meghanadh, with the possibility that this number could increase in extreme future cases.

How Often Surgeries are Needed in Mucormycosis Treatment?

The frequency of debridement depends on the severity of the infection. In many cases, surgeries are scheduled every day or on alternate to remove the spreading fungus. As the infection comes under better control, surgeries can be spaced out to once every three to four days. However, the schedule depends on the infection's growth rate and the patient’s response to treatment.

Conclusion

Mucormycosis is a serious infection that requires immediate and aggressive treatment. Debridement surgeries play a crucial role in treating mucormycosis. When combined with antifungal treatment, they help manage mucormycosis effectively and increase the patient’s chances of recovery.

Dr. K. R. Meghanadh