Docs of Rajindra Hospital save eye of mucormycosis patient

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 25

In a rare but successful attempt, doctors of Government Rajindra Hospital here today saved the eye of a patient infected with mucormycosis, also known as black fungus.

A team of doctors performed advanced endoscopic surgery on a patient having post-Covid mucormycosis. They said the orbit of the patient was cleared of the infection and the eye was successfully preserved. The surgery was carried out by a team of the ENT department, led by Dr Sanjeev Bhagat, Dr Dinesh Kumar Sharma, Dr Vishav Yadav along with a team of anaesthesia department.

Dr Sanjeev Bhagat, Professor and Head of ENT Department, said: “Early diagnosis and early surgical intervention is required to save the eye and spread of fungus to the vital organs. No treatment works well till we remove the dead necrosed tissue or involved part. The surgery is called endoscopic debridement/orbital clearance. Medical management in the form amphotericin B is to be given along with

the surgery.”

Dr Rajan Singla, Director Principal of Government Medical College, Patiala, said: “At present, there are five patients of mucormycosis under treatment at this institute. This is

the first such case in which debridement has been done. A panel of experts is keeping a regular watch on other patients for the need of surgery as and when required.”