Case of Cutaneous Infection with Mycobacterium Fortuitum following Abdominal Liposuction and Abdominoplasty Complicated by Involvement of a Laparoscopic Gastric Band

Abstract

Mycobacterium fortuitum is an ubiquitous, rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria that has been known to contaminate water supplies and surgical equipment leading to postoperative skin and soft tissue infections. This report describes a case of cutaneous infection with M fortuitum following abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty complicated by involvement of a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. This case demonstrates how early microbiologic diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial treatment, and prompt surgical intervention are very important in postcosmetic surgery wound and soft tissue infections. Furthermore, infections involving atypical mycobacterium can be particularly difficult to identify making the study of cases such as this all the more important.