Restoring Quality of Life: Assessing the Impact of Free Flap Reconstruction in Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis Patients

Abstract

Background In India, between May 5 and July 2021, 41,512 cases and 3,554 deaths due to mucormycosis were reported in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients or COVID-19-recovered patients. COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis (CAROM) has been associated with adverse effects that can affect oral health, vision, and physical as well as emotional functioning. After the radical debridement of CAROM and antifungal therapy, reconstructive surgery should be employed to restore function and aesthetics; however, limited clinical data exist on its potential effect on the quality of life (QOL) of these patients.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• free flap
• quality of life
• mucormycosis
• body image
• aesthetics