[Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection along the staple-suture line after segmentectomy for small peripheral lung cancer; report of a case].

A 60-year-old non-immunocompromised man who had undergone right upper lobectomy and subsequent left superior segmentectomy for small peripheral lung cancers (stage I well-differentiated adenocarcinomas) 2 years earlier, was referred to us for further investigation of an asymptomatic abnormal shadow observed on a chest radiograph. Chest computed radiography showed air-space consolidation along the staple-suture line associated with the left superior segmentectomy, the abnormality was 4 x 5 x 5 cm. Completion lower lobectomy was performed because transbronchial biopsy did not provide for a definite diagnosis. Pathological examination revealed a large granuloma infected by Mycobacterium intercellulare. The lung parenchyma may be exposed along the staple-suture line and somewhat vulnerable to infection in cases of partial pulmonary resection. We should be aware of this possibility after lesser pulmonary resection for small peripheral lung cancer.