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Port-site infection due to nontuberculous mycobacteria following laparoscopic surgery
Waniganeththi Arachchige Manori Piyumal Samaranayake1, Alison Margaret Kesson2, Jonathan Saul Karpelowsky3
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract:
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are commonly found in soil and water and can cause nosocomial infections by contaminating equipment and disinfectants solution used in hospitals. NTM port-site infection after laparoscopic surgery is increasingly observed, but its clinical features, management, and prevention have not been reviewed adequately. We performed a comprehensive literature review of reports that described the clinical manifestation and management of NTM port-site infections following laparoscopic surgery. The perceived increase in NTM port-site infections is likely multifactorial, influenced by greater awareness, better diagnostics, changes in medical practice, increased prevalence of immunosuppression, and potential pathogen spread. Widespread resistance to common disinfectants is a major concern. Patients with NTM port-site infections typically present 1-3 months after the laparoscopic intervention with chronic local and minimal systemic symptoms. Surgical excision plays an important role in localized or refractory cases. Medical treatment should be guided by species identification and in vitro drug-susceptibility testing (DST) of the infecting NTM strain, with a combination of second-line antituberculosis agents, given for a prolonged duration. NTM port site infection is best prevented by meticulous skin preparation and infection control, using only sterilized supplies for laparoscopic surgery.
Insights
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause serious infections after laparoscopic surgery. Early detection and species-specific treatment, alongside strict infection control, are crucial for managing and preventing these challenging NTM port-site infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens found in soil and water.
- NTM contamination of medical equipment and disinfectants can lead to nosocomial infections.
- NTM port-site infections following laparoscopic surgery are an emerging clinical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical features, management strategies, and prevention of NTM port-site infections after laparoscopic surgery.
- To highlight the increasing incidence and contributing factors of these infections.
- To provide guidance on diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of case reports and studies.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes.
- Evaluation of preventative measures for NTM port-site infections.
Main Results:
- NTM port-site infections typically manifest 1-3 months post-laparoscopy with chronic local symptoms.
- Increased awareness, improved diagnostics, and potential pathogen spread contribute to the perceived rise in NTM infections.
- Widespread disinfectant resistance is a significant challenge.
- Surgical excision is vital for localized or refractory cases.
- Treatment requires species identification, drug susceptibility testing, and prolonged combination therapy with second-line agents.
Conclusions:
- NTM port-site infections require a multi-faceted approach involving prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment.
- Effective prevention hinges on meticulous skin preparation, robust infection control, and the use of sterile surgical supplies.
- Species identification and susceptibility testing are paramount for guiding antimicrobial therapy.
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