GMERS Gotri Doctors Achieve Breakthrough in Mucormycosis Treatment
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at GMERS Medical College and Hospital in Gotri, Vadodara, have successfully treated a 61-year-old US-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI) of Vadodara origin who was suffering from advanced mucormycosis. The complex endoscopic procedure not only saved the patient's life but also preserved his left eye, upper jaw, and hard palate, which had been threatened by the aggressive fungal infection.
Patient's Critical Condition and Previous Treatment Recommendations
The patient, Bhupendra Patel, was admitted to the hospital's ENT department on January 2 with severe symptoms including swelling in his left eye and deviation of the mouth towards the right side. These symptoms had persisted for over a month, indicating the progressive nature of the infection.
Prior to seeking treatment at GMERS Gotri, Patel had consulted private hospitals in Vadodara where medical professionals recommended drastic measures. Doctors advised the complete removal of the affected eye along with excision of the hard palate and upper jaw due to the aggressive spread of the fungal infection. This standard approach would have resulted in significant facial disfigurement and functional impairment.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Urgent Surgical Intervention
Investigations conducted at GMERS revealed the alarming extent of the infection. The mucormycosis had spread from the left eye to adjacent facial structures and had even reached the brain, making this an exceptionally severe case requiring immediate attention.
Considering the critical nature of the situation, the ENT team at GMERS Gotri decided to operate within just 24 hours of admission. On January 3, they performed a complex endoscopic surgery that lasted nearly three-and-a-half hours. The entire procedure was conducted through an endoscopic approach, eliminating the need for traditional open surgery.
Innovative Surgical Technique and Recovery Process
During the surgery, doctors successfully cleared the fungal growth from the left nasal cavity, facial region, and hard palate. Most significantly, they performed an endoscopic retro-orbital clearance without removing the eyeball itself. This innovative approach left no external scars, preserving both function and appearance.
Dr. Anoop Chandnani, Medical Superintendent and Professor and Head of Anaesthesia at GMERS Gotri, emphasized the importance of meticulous anaesthesia management and post-operative ICU care in the patient's recovery. "His eye, upper jaw and hard palate remain intact without any external scar. This makes it a significant success," Dr. Chandnani stated.
The patient received high-dose antifungal and antibiotic therapy for 35 days following the surgery. Dr. Chandnani noted the dramatic improvement in Patel's condition: "When he was admitted, his facial colour had changed due to the infection and he was unable to walk. He has now made a full recovery."
Patel was discharged on Saturday in stable condition with his blood parameters under control, marking a complete turnaround from his initial critical state.
Multidisciplinary Team Effort
Dr. Chandnani highlighted that this complex case required a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach involving teams from ENT, anaesthesia, ophthalmology, medicine, physiotherapy, dermatology, and surgery. The treatment also involved super-specialists including neurophysicians, neurosurgeons, nephrologists, and urologists, demonstrating the collaborative effort necessary for such challenging medical cases.
This successful treatment represents a significant advancement in the management of advanced mucormycosis cases, offering hope to patients who might otherwise face disfiguring surgeries and permanent functional limitations.
