Cranio-facial mucormycosis —the plastic surgeon’s perspective

ConclusionsWe should maintain a high index of suspicion in cases of necrotizing facial infections. Tissue biopsy will confirm the diagnosis of mucormycosis. A multidisciplinary approach should be applied. The main principles of management would include reversal of immunosuppression or any metabolic disorder, systemic and local antifungal medication, prompt surgical excision of the infected tissues with early aggressive supportive measures, and appropriate reconstruction with rehabilitation. Both prosthetic-based and autologous reconstructions of the resultant defects have been proposed. Choosing either option depends on the surgeon ’s expertise. Prosthesis-based reconstruction provides a relatively accurate esthetic result. As in micro vascular techniques advance and patient demands for a permanent reconstruction increase, more surgeons are trending towards autologous tissue transfer.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study
Source: European Journal of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Source Type: research