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Temporary obturator using high-density polyurethane foam following maxillectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Part of: JLO Coronavirus Collection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2022

G Aparna Open the ORCID record for G Aparna [Opens in a new window] ,
A Alexander ,
G Sivaraman  and
R Kalaiarasi
G Aparna
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
A Alexander*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
G Sivaraman
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
R Kalaiarasi
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
*
Author for correspondence: Prof Arun Alexander, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India E-mail: arunalexandercmc@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis was seen in epidemic proportions during the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Many of these post-coronavirus rhino-orbital mucormycosis patients underwent maxillectomy for disease clearance. Rehabilitating such a large number of patients with surgical obturators as an emergency in a low-income setting was challenging.

Methods

High-density polyurethane foam was used to make a temporary obturator for patients who underwent maxillectomy. These obturators helped alleviate functional problems like dysphagia and nasal regurgitation, improving nutritional outcomes and shortening the hospital stay.

Conclusion

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic gave physicians time-sensitive challenges, for which immediate alternatives to established care were required. A maxillary obturator made of high-density polyurethane foam is an innovative solution to rehabilitate maxillectomy patients in the immediate post-operative period.

Keywords

PolyurethanesMucormycosisDebridementCOVID-19Postoperative Period
Type
Short Communications
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 2 , February 2022 , pp. 173 - 175
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Prof A Alexander takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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