Profile & Pattern Of Abdominal Tuberculosis: A Record Based Study

Abstract

Background: Abdominal tuberculosis encompasses gastrointestinal, peritoneal and visceral forms of tuberculosis. Their clinical presentation and radiological findings are varied and non-specific, often warranting surgical intervention either for confirmation of diagnosis or for definitive management. This study aims to analyse the trend, clinical profile, diagnostic modalities, site of distribution and outcome of Koch’s abdomen in non HIV infected patients. Material &Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2012 to December 2019. All serologically HIV negative patients (>12 years age) with diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis were included. Results: Out of 184 cases of abdominal tuberculosis, 120 patients (65.2%) were managed conservatively while 64 patients (34.7%) had undergone laparotomy. Peritoneal disease was the commonest (33.1%) followed by involvement of ileocaecal region (31.25%), ileum (21.73%), nodal & omental disease (13.58%). Resection & anastomosis was done in 43 (67.18%) patients, adhesiolysis in 13 (20.31%) patients and resection with stoma in 8 (12.5%) patients. Conclusion: Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered in differential diagnosis of the patients with abdominal pain. While majority of such patients can be managed conservatively, some may require surgery. Those requiring emergency surgery are at more risk to develop complications. [Shah A Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(6):11-16]