Abdominal actinomycosis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a rare complication of bile spillage

Actinomycosis presenting as an anterior abdominal mass after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare disease caused by different anaerobic Actinomyces species. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who presented with a painless, slow growing, left upper abdominal mass that developed after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A CT scan and MRI of the abdomen revealed a desmoid tumour of the left rectus abdominis muscle.Surgical excision was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. The histological analysis of the specimen was inconsistent with a desmoid tumour and revealed an infection of Actinomyces israelii in the anterior abdominal wall that was confirmed with a microbiology culture. The surgical treatment was followed by a course of penicillin antibiotic therapy for 6 months. This treatment resulted in full recovery with no further complications. Although it is rare, the patient's history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was identified as the likely source of infection.

Abdominal actinomycosis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an uncommon presentation of an uncommon problem

Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection with a broad clinical presentation that is seldom reported after elective cholecystectomy. We present an as-of-yet unreported case of actinomycosis in an 81-year-old gentleman who was found to have right-sided peritonitis and small bowel obstruction 11 months after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A complex loculated lesion was found on laparotomy with a protracted course of antibiotics being needed for treatment. The rarity of this condition will mean it remains a surprise diagnosis to many clinicians. However, it is important that clinicians maintain some index of suspicion to prevent unnecessary surgery and are aware of the protracted course of antibiotics that is needed for successful treatment.