Microdebrider originally designed for ear diseases and orthopedic procedures currently being used in surgery for mucormycosis patients

One such device is currently available in ENT department of SSG, Medical Superintendent is making efforts to get more such devices

The challenging task of treating the difficult disease of mucormycosis is going on with great dedication in the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases of Sayaji Hospital. It uses a device called a microdebrider to treat almost every patient.

Talking about the history of this machine, the manufacturer patented it in 1969 and at one time it was used to remove tumors around the auditory canal and for orthopedic procedures. It has been used daily for nasal and endoscopic sinus surgery around the world since 1990 and is currently proving to be a very helpful tool in the recovery of patients with mucormycosis.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Ranjan Aiyar said the blades used in the machine are relatively expensive but efforts are being made to get more such machines as its treatment is beneficial for patients and discussions are underway with a organisation for its charity. This device is considered a safe tool for sinus surgery.

Recently, this device worth about Rs 5 lakh has been donated to Civil Hospital, Surat by a charitable trust run by NJ Group of Companies for patient service. On the occasion, a company spokesperson said that blood, saliva, nasal fluid and small lumps are absorbed through a port (hole) at the end of the poly-tube of the micro-debride. Along with this the diseased tissue such as hemorrhoids, tumor is cut by a rotating blade and cut into very small pieces.

Healthy parts such as the healthy lining / mucosa of the sinuses can be well preserved by cutting the tissue cleanly with a blade. So that the part heals quickly after surgery. Even in nasal surgery, the patient does not have to undergo nasal care such as washing the nose with alkaline liquids for more than 6 weeks which helps the patient to recover faster. Short-term general anesthesia may be given to keep the patient safe. Bleeding is also negligible. Thus, this tool will be very useful for Mucormycosis patients.

Under a tradition established through the efforts from then former health minister late Nalin Bhatt, social organisations, industrial commercial units and individual donors provide necessary medical equipments required for the treatment of corona is being provided to Sayaji and Gotri hospitals as part of human service.

Organizations and donors can then contribute to making Mucormycosis treatment easier and safer by including this device in the charity's medical device assistance list.