Facial reconstruction in mucormycosis: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infectious pathology of angioinvasive fungal etiology produced by fungi of the order Mucorales characterized by a rapidly progressive invasion of the host vasculature by hyphae, resulting in ischemia and tissue necrosis (7,8). Its management requires radical surgical debridement that can lead to complex tissue defects with significant functional and aesthetic implications. (11,12)

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 55-year-old patient with a history of rhino-orbito-maxillary mucormycosis that required multiple surgical debridement along with right maxillectomy and resection of the nasal septum and right pterygoid process, in order to achieve control of the infectious focus. The patient underwent reconstruction with a composite  fibula  free flap using a microsurgical technique, achieving total closure of the oronasal and oroantral fistula, improving malar projection and  facial symmetry,  obtaining   favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The recent available literature and this case report, support the use of free flaps as a good alternative for the reconstructive approach in mucormycosis.

Keywords: Mucormycosis, face reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction.