Case report

Abdominal tuberculosis after removal of an adjustable gastric band - report of an unusual case.

Piotr K Kowalewski, Robert Olszewski, Dariusz Michalik, Andrzej P Kwiatkowski
Published online: April 11, 2017

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is the third most popular bariatric procedure. Despite its reversibility and minimal invasiveness, band infection affects 1.2% of patients. We present a case of a 25-year-old, obese woman who was experiencing malaise and feverishness 3 years after gastric band placement. Due to port site infection the port was removed, which did not improve the patient's condition. After 2 years the band was removed via laparotomy with a minor surgical site infection reported. The patient returned 2 weeks after discharge with signs of sepsis. After ruling out pulmonary causes, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing granulomatous peritonitis. Standard histopathological examinations, broncho-alveolar lavage culture and DNA tests along with microbiological cultures were inconclusive. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal and antiparasitic agents did not improve the patient's condition. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was discovered in a greater omentum specimen. The patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin for four months.

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