Outcomes of surgical management of post laparoscopy atypical myco-bacterial port site infections: Is early surgery a better alternative?

• Published in: Surgery in practice and science 2022-03, Vol.8, p.100054, Article 100054
• Main Authors: Heer, Vikas Kumar, Khuroo, Suhail, Wani, Ajaz Ahmed, Nagyal, Sonia, Jad, Beena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atypical mycobacteria; Laparoscopic surgery; Morbidity; Non tubercular mycobacteria; Port site infections; Sterilization
• ISSN: 2666-2620; 2666-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sipas.2021.100054

The number of surgeries undertaken by laparoscopic modality is increasing. This has correspondingly led to an increase in the number of laparoscopy specific complications. Port site infection by atypical mycobacteria constitutes one of the rare and challenging complications to treat. Improper sterilization techniques are an important cause of such infections. Use of disposable trocars is the best solution to avoid this complication. This is study aims to report our experience with diagnosis and management of this unusual complication in context of the available literature. At our institute we encountered 9 patients who presented with port site discharging sinuses after laparoscopic procedures. Diagnosis was confirmed by relevant investigations as applicable. All patients were treated with oral anti-mycobacterial antibiotics. Majority of patients in our study required surgical excision of the port site sinus. Early surgery was associated with less morbidity and patient satisfaction. Port site atypical mycobacterial infections are a rare but serious occurrence. Proper sterilization of laparoscopic instruments is mandatory. We recommend early surgical excision to overcome the morbidity associated with it.