Mycobacterium fortuitum infections associated with laparoscopic gastric banding

Mycobacterium fortuitum, a rapidly growing atypical mycobacteria, is commonly found in soil and water. This organism is most often known to cause skin, bone, and soft tissue infections associated with local trauma, surgical procedures, and in patients with immunodeficiency. Nosocomial infections associated with a variety of contaminated devices and equipment have also been widely documented. This report presents the first cases of M. fortuitum infection following laparoscopic gastric banding procedures. Both patients had complicated clinical courses necessitating removal of their banding devices and long-term antibiotic therapy.