A post-COVID Mucormycosis Survivor gets a New Lease on Life after Dr Leena Jain successfully performs an Advanced Facial Reconstruction in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5: Dr. Leena Jain, a highly skilled Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgeon and Plastic Surgeon with over ten years of experience, has successfully performed complex facial reconstruction surgery on a patient who survived severe mucormycosis following a COVID-19 infection.

Dr. Leena Jain, a Hand Reconstructive Microsurgeon and Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai, with 10+ years of experience, says, “I aimed to restore the physical defect and regain the patient’s confidence and determination to live a better and fuller life once again. For me, it was very fulfilling to be involved in transforming a patient after experiencing such a challenging and debilitating medical condition.”

Mucormycosis is a rare and aggressive fungal infection that has affected many people with compromised immune systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. In complex cases, the disease causes tissue damage for which extensive surgical intervention becomes necessary. In this case, my patient had developed a significant defect in the left orbital region.

Dr Leena Jain’s conclusion on her extensive examination of the patient included the following observations: open raw area in the orbit, persistent discharge from the left orbital cavity, with the path of discharge tracking into the food pipe. The patient had developed facial asymmetry with loss of the eyeball and associated soft tissues.  There was an infection in the orbital cavity with crusting, and the patient faced issues in maintaining hygiene. The patient was in a vulnerable state, accompanied by emotional distress and reduced confidence.

Post diagnosis and in consultation with the family, Dr Leena Jain chalked out a complex reconstructive procedure which included the following

• Infection control with antibiotics and antifungals
• Nutritional optimization to promote healing
• Pre-surgical imaging to map vascular supply
• Psychological counselling and expectation setting

She meticulously planned the surgery to accelerate healing and improve her facial asymmetry and self-esteem. The surgery plan included a free flap reconstruction procedure with a durable soft tissue cover over the orbital cavity. Hence, it was necessary to begin with a flap harvest to obtain a free flap with a vascular pedicle. After the flap inset, she would perform a microvascular anastomosis, a microsurgical technique to connect the flap’s blood vessels near the orbital defect either in the face or in the neck. Dr Leena Jain would eliminate the dead space, preventing further discharge, and close the wound in layers to ensure symmetry and optimal healing.

Thanks to her extensive training and expertise in reconstructive microsurgery, Dr. Jain meticulously planned and executed an advanced reconstructive procedure to address the functional and aesthetic challenges. She added that she was happy that the surgery was a success and hoped the patient would experience an improved quality of life and return to normalcy.

Dr Leena Jain commented on this patient’s story, “Hats off to my patient for displaying tremendous resilience during the journey. It was her trust in me that led to a positive transformation of the reconstructive surgery and her recovery. I understand that Mucormycosis can leave devastating physical and emotional scars. Still, her determination and zeal to recover provided me with additional strength and confidence to help her in this journey.”

The success of this case underscores the critical role of specialized reconstructive surgery in the post-COVID era. Dr Jain’s dedication to providing the best surgical options, keeping in mind long-term results and the patient’s occupation to facilitate a timely return to a normal lifestyle, is exemplary and raises hope in other individuals undergoing similar health challenges.

About Dr. Leena Jain:

Dr. Leena Jain is a dedicated Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgeon with over seven years of experience. She completed her super-speciality and post-graduation at Bangalore Medical College. Dr. Jain further honed her skills through two prestigious international fellowships: a Fellowship in Microsurgery and Perforator flaps at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea, and an AO Fellowship in Microsurgery and Faciomaxillary Trauma at Ludwigs’ Maximilian University in Munich, Germany.

Her expertise encompasses a wide range of procedures, including reconstructive microsurgery for tumors, trauma, burns, and congenital conditions; comprehensive hand surgeries; replantations and revascularizations; cancer reconstruction surgery; reconstruction for orthopaedic trauma; breast surgeries; facial nerve paralysis surgeries; gender reassignment surgeries; surgery for non-functioning bladders; burns’ deformity corrective surgeries; tuboplasty; and surgeries for migraine. Dr. Jain is passionate about her work and committed to providing the best surgical outcomes for her patients, always considering long-term results and facilitating a timely return to a normal lifestyle.

Contact:

Dr. Leena Jain

Plastic, Reconstructive Microsurgeon and Hand Surgeon

Plastikos Clinic, A Wing, 403, Lancelot Building, S. V. Road, Borivali West – 400090

Phone: +91 9137767350

Email: [email protected]