
Urgent Surgical Intervention Saves Life of Yemeni Umrah Performer at King Abdullah Medical City
A multidisciplinary medical team at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), a facility under the Makkah Health Cluster, successfully performed a complex and urgent surgical intervention that saved the life of a Yemeni female Umrah performer suffering from a rare and aggressive fungal infection affecting her upper jaw and right side of the face.
According to the Makkah Health Cluster, the patient, who is undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, suffered a sudden and dangerous deterioration due to the infection, which is known for its rapid spread and high fatality rate. Given the critical nature of the case, the maxillofacial surgery team acted swiftly, performing a delicate operation to remove a large portion of the upper jaw and the roof of the mouth. The procedure employed advanced surgical materials and meticulous techniques to control bleeding and halt the progression of the infection.
Following the initial intervention, the hospital's sinus and skull base surgery team stepped in during the later phase to complete the treatment using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach. After her condition stabilized and vital signs improved, the team crafted a customized oral prosthetic device to help her regain her ability to speak and swallow.
The patient has since been discharged from the intensive care unit and the hospital in stable condition. She is now receiving ongoing follow-up care at KAMC's outpatient clinic.
This successful outcome reflects the high level of coordination and specialization across KAMC's departments, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to providing world-class healthcare to Umrah performers, even in the most complex and urgent medical situations.