Laparoscopic diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis

Background The value of laparoscopy in diagnosing peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) is well described by gastroenterologists but infrequently by surgeons. This report describes a single surgeons experience with laparoscopic diagnosis of peritoneal TB.Methods A total of 21 consecutive patients with peritoneal TB diagnosed at laparoscopy from January 1995 to December 2002 were prospectively reviewed. Their clinical data, laparoscopic findings, and outcome are described.Results There were 11 females and 10 males; the mean age was 36.6 years. Fever (81%) and ascites (66.7%) were the most common clinical features. Laparoscopy under general anesthesia was successful in all patients, and there was no laparoscopy-related mortality. Histology confirmed TB in 17 patients; the remaining four had nonspecific inflammation. All had satisfactory response to anti-TB therapy except one patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, who died after initiation of treatment.Conclusions Laparoscopy is safe and readily establishes the diagnosis of peritoneal TB.