Post-surgical atypical mycobacteriosis in 125 patients in Rio de Janeiro.

INTRODUCTION: The growing incidence of post-surgical atypical mycobacteriosis (PSAM) may be related to the increased use of low- and medium-complexity video-assisted surgery.

METHODS: Between April 2007 and June 2009, 125 patients were referred from the State Health Department of Rio de Janeiro for the treatment of confirmed, probable, or suspected PSAM.

RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the most frequent surgical procedure (48.8%) among patients. Clarithromycin, ethambutol, and terizidone were used to treat 113 patients for a mean duration of 226 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the need for multidrug therapy and long treatment duration, most included patients adhered to treatment and experienced cure without relapse.