Management of wet ascitic type of peritoneal tuberculosis: single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to present our experience with the management of 17 patients with ascites who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy, and histologic confirmation of wet ascitic type of peritoneal tuberculosis (TB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2019, 17 patients whose ascites were investigated by a gastroenterologist and who were thought to have non-cirrhotic ascites were referred to our Surgery clinic for peritoneal biopsy. The clinical, biochemical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological data of the patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy were analyzed retrospectively. Histopathological examination of peritoneal tissue samples in hematoxylin-eosin-stained preparations revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis and Langhans type giant cells. Ehrlich-Ziehl-Neelsen (EZN) staining was studied with the suspicion of TB. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were detected in EZN stained slide. Histopathological findings were also considered. RESULTS: Seventeen patients aged 18 to 64 years were included in this study. The most common symptoms were ascites and abdominal distention, weight loss, night sweats, fever and diarrhea. Radiological examination revealed peritoneal thickening, ascites, omental cacking, and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Histopathologically, necrotizing granulomatous peritonitis consistent with peritoneal TB were detected. While direct laparoscopy was preferred in sixteen patients, laparotomy was preferred in the remaining one due to previous surgical procedures.  However, seven were converted to open laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of abdominal TB requires high index of suspicion, and the treatment should be prompt to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with delay in treatment.

Mini-laparoscopy as a diagnostic tool for abdominal tuberculosis: a retrospective series of 29 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a "great mimic," and diagnosis remains challenging even for experienced clinicians. While mini-laparoscopy has already been demonstrated to be an efficient diagnostic tool for a variety of diseases, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique in diagnosing abdominal TB. METHODS: We retrospectively included patients who underwent mini-laparoscopy at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between April 2010 and January 2022 for suspected abdominal TB. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, radiological findings as well as macroscopic, histopathologic, and microbiologic results were analyzed by chart review. RESULTS: Out of 49 consecutive patients who underwent mini-laparoscopy for suspected abdominal TB, the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed in 29 patients (59%). Among those, the median age was 30 years (range 18-86 years) and the majority were male (n = 22, 76%). Microbiological diagnosis was established in a total of 16 patients. The remaining patients were diagnosed with abdominal TB either by histopathological detection of caseating granulomas (n = 3), or clinically by a combination of typical presentation, mini-laparoscopic findings, and good response to anti-tuberculous treatment (n = 10). Bleeding from the respective puncture site occurred in 19 patients (66%) and either resolved spontaneously or was arrested with argon plasma coagulation alone (n = 10) or in combination with fibrin glue (n = 1). Minor intestinal perforation occurred in 2 patients and was treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-laparoscopy is a useful and safe modality for the diagnosis of abdominal TB.

Clinical features and diagnostic approaches for abdominal tuberculosis: five-year experience from a non-tuberculosis-designated hospital in China

Background and purpose: abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a common form of extrapulmonary TB but it is still a diagnostic dilemma in clinical practice. This study aimed to highlight the clinical features and diagnostic approaches for abdominal TB.Methods: seventy cases of diagnosed abdominal TB were retrospectively collected between August 1st, 2015 and June 30th, 2020. They were classified as peritoneal TB, lymph node TB, gastrointestinal TB, visceral TB or mixed TB.Results: eighteen patients were diagnosed with peritoneal TB, nine with lymph node TB, five with gastrointestinal TB, two with visceral TB and 36 with mixed TB. More than 65 % of the patients had tuberculosis of other sites except the abdomen. The median diagnosis time was 60 days. Ascites (58.6 %), abdominal distension (48.6 %), weight loss (44.3 %) and fever (42.9 %) were the most common symptoms. The overall microbiological and histological detection rates were 70.0 % and 38.6 %, respectively. The non-ascite samples yielded a higher microbiological confirmation rate (63.6 %) than the total samples (40.8 %). Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in 18 patients (69.2 %). Forty-five cases (64.3 %) were clinically diagnosed. Invasive procedures such as surgery (6/7), percutaneous biopsy (7/7) and endoscopy in lymph node TB (4/5) had high confirmation rates.Conclusions: the diagnosis of abdominal TB should be reached by a combination of clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological and pathological findings. (AU)

Clinical features and diagnostic approaches for abdominal tuberculosis: five-year experience from a non-tuberculosis-designated hospital in China.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a common form of extrapulmonary TB but it is still a diagnostic dilemma in clinical practice. This study aimed to highlight the clinical features and diagnostic approaches for abdominal TB. METHODS: seventy cases of diagnosed abdominal TB were retrospectively collected between August 1st, 2015 and June 30th, 2020. They were classified as peritoneal TB, lymph node TB, gastrointestinal TB, visceral TB or mixed TB. RESULTS: eighteen patients were diagnosed with peritoneal TB, nine with lymph node TB, five with gastrointestinal TB, two with visceral TB and 36 with mixed TB. More than 65 % of the patients had tuberculosis of other sites except the abdomen. The median diagnosis time was 60 days. Ascites (58.6 %), abdominal distension (48.6 %), weight loss (44.3 %) and fever (42.9 %) were the most common symptoms. The overall microbiological and histological detection rates were 70.0 % and 38.6 %, respectively. The non-ascite samples yielded a higher microbiological confirmation rate (63.6 %) than the total samples (40.8 %). Diagnosis was confirmed histologically in 18 patients (69.2 %). Forty-five cases (64.3 %) were clinically diagnosed. Invasive procedures such as surgery (6/7), percutaneous biopsy (7/7) and endoscopy in lymph node TB (4/5) had high confirmation rates. CONCLUSIONS: the diagnosis of abdominal TB should be reached by a combination of clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological and pathological findings.

Place of Laparoscopy in Peritoneal Tuberculosis.

Introduction: Peritoneal tuberculosis (PT) is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children. The diagnosis is difficult because of its clinical polymorphism. Laparoscopy is the gold standard to make the diagnosis by exploring and performing peritoneal biopsies. Our aim was to show the place of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of PT, to compare the anatomopathological results of peritoneal biopsies with a macroscopic appearance to quick start antituberculosis treatment. Case Reports: We reported 4 patients with PT, 3 girls and 1 boy. The middle age was 9 years old. The revealing symptomatology was ascites in all cases. Radiological exploration was not contributing. Laparoscopy was performed for all patients. The exploration revealed an agglutination of the intestinal loops with the presence of whitish micronodules scattered over the entire abdominal cavity. Peritoneal biopsies were done in all cases. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PT in all patients and antituberculosis treatment was introduced. There was a good clinical evolution with a follow-up of 30 months. Conclusion: PT is a public health problem due to its clinical and biological polymorphism. Laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsies remains the essential means for the diagnosis of this pathology in children.

A case report of peritoneal tuberculosis diagnosed by laparoscopy in a low prevalence setting.

Peritoneal tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Considering the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis in a low prevalence setting can be vital for further clinical management in selected patients. In a young male with migration background, presenting with generalised abdominal pain, computed tomography revealed ascites, omental and peritoneal thickening and enlarged mesentery lymph nodes. Computed tomography also revealed a distal ureteral calculus at the right vesico-ureteral junction. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a nodular degeneration of the visceral and parietal peritoneum and adhesions in the upper peritoneal cavity. Tissue biopsy of peritoneal lesions and omentum was performed. Histological examination revealed granulomas with central caseating necrosis. The ureteral stone was removed by means of ureteroscopy. Prompt diagnosis of peritoneal TB made possible to start anti-tuberculous chemotherapy without significant delay. The low prevalence of peritoneal TB demands a high index of suspicion in patients at risk presenting with nonspecific abdominal complaints, ascites and constitutional symptoms. Diagnostic laparoscopy leads to a quick diagnosis by direct visualisation of the peritoneal cavity and tissue biopsy. When available, it is the diagnostic procedure of choice to confirm tuberculous peritonitis. The concomitant presentation of tuberculous peritonitis and ureteral calculus can be explained by hypercalciuria in granulomatous disease.

[Tuberculous abdominal cocoon as a rare variant of peritonitis]. / Osumkovyvayushchii tuberkuleznyi perivistserit kak redkii variant peritonita.

OBJECTIVE: To study and systematize clinical symptoms of tuberculous perivisceritis, to clarify diagnostic value of laboratory and instrumental survey in these patients and to identify the features of surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 8 patients with tuberculous perivisceritis. Examination included computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and chest, ultrasound, laparoscopy. All patients underwent surgical treatment with histological, cytological, microbiological and molecular genetic analysis of peritoneal exudate and biopsy of peritoneal specimens. RESULTS: Clinical picture of tuberculous perivisceritis is variable and non-specific. Periods of exacerbation are replaced by periods of prolonged remission. The complex of radiological survey used in verification of perivisceritis does not allow accurate determining the nature of disease. However, peritoneal tuberculosis may be suspected as a rule considering signs of thickening of the peritoneum. Objective confirmation of perivisceritis is possible only during surgical intervention. In this case, etiological factor can be established only after a thorough histological examination of resected fibrous capsule. CONCLUSION: Clinical picture of tuberculous perivisceritis does not have specific symptoms. The disease is characterized by prolonged and undulating course. Acute peritonitis and acute intestinal obstruction may be suspected during exacerbation of the pathological process. Laparotomy followed by complete excision of fibrous capsule and adhesiolysis is preferred.

Tuberculosis peritoneal. Una forma de presentación poco frecuente de una enfermedad emergente en pediatría / Peritoneal tuberculosis. A rare form of presentation of an emerging disease in pediatrics

La tuberculosis constituye un importante problema sanitario, que afecta a un tercio de la población mundial. La localización pulmonar es la más frecuente, y es rara la presentación perito-neal. Las manifestaciones clínicas son inespecíficas, por lo que el diagnóstico requiere de un alto nivel de sospecha.Se comunica el caso de una adolescente de 13 años hospitali-zada por tuberculosis peritoneal. El objetivo es describir una forma poco frecuente de manifestación extrapulmonar de la infección por M. tuberculosis en la edad pediátrica y concien-tizar a la comunidad médica, en el contexto epidemiológico actual, sobre la reemergencia de esta enfermedad y la impor-tancia del diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos, así como de reforzar las medidas de control y prevención.

Tuberculosis constitutes an important health problem, affect-ing one third of the world's population. The pulmonary lo-calization is the most frequent one, being rare the peritoneal presentation. Clinical manifestations are non-specific so the diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion.The case of a 13-year-old teenager hospitalized for peritoneal tuberculosis is reported. The objective is to describe a rare form of extra-pulmonary manifestation of M. tuberculosis infection in the pediatric age and to sensitize the medical community, in the current epidemiological context, to the reemergence of this disease and the importance of timely diagnosis and treat-ment as well as strengthening control and prevention measures.

Female Peritoneal Tuberculosis with Ascites, Pelvic Mass, or Elevated CA 125 Mimicking Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Study of 26 Cases.

This study aimed to summarise the clinical experience of peritoneal tuberculosis (TB). Clinical data of 26 patients admitted and diagnosed with peritoneal TB mimicking advanced ovarian cancer or peritoneal carcinoma between June 2008 and June 2017, was evaluated. The mean age was 35.92 ±15.30 years. The most common findings were abdominal mass (n=21, 80.77%) and elevated CA 125 levels (n=19, 73.08%). One patient underwent PET-CT and was diagnosed with peritoneal TB. Laparotomy was performed in 14 patients (70%) and laparoscopy in six patients (30%), out of whom two patients were converted to laparotomy due to severe adhesions. Meanwhile, mass puncture biopsy or small incision biopsy was the preferred method for diagnosing peritoneal TB, while PET-CT was considered as a good diagnostic method.

Mesenteroplicatura total con tutor transitorio: Prevención de la obstrucción recurrente por adherencias / Total mesenteric plication with temporary suture support: Prevention of recurrent bowel obstruction due to adhesions

La preocupación por los trastornos intestinales y la oclusión, como consecuencia de la formación de bridas peritoneoviscerales producidas por gestos quirúrgicos manuales e instrumentales, ha dado lugar a procedimientos con miras a evitarlas o minimizarlas. En este marco, la técnica de mesenteroplicatura con sostén transitorio tiene el propósito de favorecer el ordenamiento fibrointestinal, cuando la patología tratada haga sospechar que se producirán adherencias y más aún si la intervención ha sido causada por estas. Los fundamentos del procedimiento son los mismos que sostienen las técnicas usuales, por lo tanto no hay controversias en cuanto a las indicaciones. La lógica de la sutura transitoria está en que el tutor pierde su objetivo y se retira cuando finaliza el proceso adherencial, alrededor de las dos semanas de la intervención. Se presentan tres casos de oclusión intestinal operados con el procedimiento, controlados y con buenos resultados.

Peritoneal adhesions produced as a consequence of manual or instrumental manipulation during surgery cause bowel obstruction. Several procedures have been developed to avoid or minimize adhesions. Mesenteric plication with temporary suture support organizes the healing process in the bowel in case of high suspicion of adhesions will develop, particularly when bowel obstruction is produced by adhesions. The basis of this technique is the same as for standard procedures and, thus, there are no controversies about its indications. The rationale of temporary suture support is that when the healing process is over, about two weeks after the intervention, the suture support is no longer needed. We report three cases of intestinal obstruction undergoing mesenteric plication and temporary suture support, with favorable outcomes.

Tuberculosis abdominal: patología infrecuente en un paciente joven: reporte de un caso / Abdominal tuberculosis: an unusual disease in a young patient: a case report

Resumen Introducción: La tuberculosis abdominal es un problema reemergente, y es una de las enfermedades transmisibles más importante en todo el mundo. A pesar de las expectativas acerca de su erradicación en países en desarrollo, ha sido recientemente declarada de nuevo como una patología de emergencia mundial. Con el aumento de su incidencia y prevalencia, su forma abdominal es una de las presentaciones de afectación extrapulmonar más comunes. Objetivo: Dado que la tuberculosis puede afectar diversos órganos, tiene una amplia gama y gran espectro de signos y síntomas que dificultan su diagnóstico y retrasan el tratamiento. Por esto, se realiza esta revisión de tema, concentrándonos en que el alto índice de sospecha debe ser un factor importante en el diagnóstico precoz, para que una vez establecido, se pueda iniciar el tratamiento ayudando a prevenir y disminuir las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad evidenciadas en la actualidad. Caso Clínico: Paciente joven con presencia de ascitis secundaria a tuberculosis abdominal confirmada por una biopsia y el aumento de la adenosin deaminasa en el líquido peritoneal. Se describen los principales hallazgos clínicos, paraclínicos, estudios imagenológicos y tratamiento.

Introduction: Abdominal tuberculosis is a reemerging problem and is one of the most important communicable diseases in the world. Despite expectations about the eradication in developing countries, it has recently been re-declared as a global emergency pathology. The increased incidence and prevalence shows an abdominal shape as one of the most common extrapulmonary involvement presentations. Objective: Since tuberculosis can affect various organs, it has a wide range and spectrum of signs and symptoms that make diagnosis difficult and delay treatment. Therefore, this review of the topic is done, concentrating on the fact that the high suspicion index should be an important factor in the early diagnosis. Treatment can be initiated helping to prevent and reduce high morbidity and mortality rates. Case Report: We present a case of a young patient with ascites secondary to abdominal tuberculosis confirmed by biopsy and increased adenosine deaminase in the peritoneal fluid. The main clinical findings, paraclinic, imaging studies and treatment are described.

A case report of tuberculous peritonitis in rectal cancer diagnosed by staging laparoscopy and post-treatment status at laparoscopic low-anterior resection.

An 87-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with early rectal cancer and massive ascites. Tuberculous peritonitis was suspected because positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed high uptake in the hypertrophic peritoneum. A staging laparoscopy was performed and the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was established from inspection of histopathological biopsy specimens showing tiny white nodules on the peritoneum, Langhans giant cells, and epithelioid cell granulomas. Tuberculosis bacterium was also detected from this tissue. After 4 months' treatment for tuberculous peritonitis, laparoscopy assisted low-anterior resection was performed. Laparoscopy was used to assess the status of tuberculous peritonitis from before to after treatment, and treatment for rectal cancer was instituted.

What remains to surgeons in the management of abdominal tuberculosis? A 10 years experience in an endemic area.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a common endemic disease in Tunisia. Abdominal location is rare. Early diagnosis of abdominal TB remains difficult due to its non-specific clinical presentations. The aim of our study is to highlight the characteristics of the different presentations, to characterize tools contributing to a positive preoperative diagnosis, and finally to assess the role of surgery in the management of this entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review from 2005 to 2015 identified 90 cases of confirmed abdominal TB managed in the Department of General Surgery of the Habib Thameur Hospital. The diagnosis was established by histopathology examination for all cases. This study was approved by the ethical committee. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient was 44.13 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.34. We collected 56 cases of peritoneal TB, 12 cases of abdominal lymph node TB, 10 cases of intestinal TB, four cases of hepatic TB, and two cases of gallbladder's TB. For six patients, an association of many localizations was noted. The diagnosis was suspected on clinical, biological, and morphological arguments, but the confirmation was always made by surgical exploration and pathological examination of removed specimens. Surgical management was urgent in complicated cases (13.3%). Laparoscopy was performed in 71 cases (78.9%). Laparoscopic features of peritoneal TB were specific and always confirmed by histological examination. CONCLUSION: Despite the wide range of examination available for the preoperative exploration of abdominal TB, diagnosis is usually late and difficult. TB is a medical condition. However, surgical exploration is frequently needed in the management.

Tuberculous Peritonitis.

Tuberculous peritonitis is rare in the United States but continues to be reported to occur in certain high-risk populations, which include patients with AIDS or cirrhosis, patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, recent immigrants from areas of high endemicity, and those who are immunosuppressed. The diagnosis of this disease requires a high clinical index of suspicion and should be considered in the differential of ascites with a lymphocyte predominance and serum-ascitic albumin gradient of <1.1 mg/dl. Microbiological or pathological confirmation remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Ascitic fluid cultures have low yield, but peritoneoscopy with biopsy or cultures frequently confirms the diagnosis. Newer techniques with future application include determination of adenosine deaminase and interferon gamma levels in ascitic fluid. Ultrasound and computed tomography are frequently used to guide fluid aspiration and biopsies. Six months of treatment with antituberculosis therapy is adequate except in cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The role of steroids remains controversial. Surgical approaches may be required to deal with complications including bowel perforation, intestinal obstruction from adhesions, fistula formation, or bleeding.

Acute presentation of koch's abdomen in children: Our experience.

BACKGROUND: To analyse our experience with acute presentations of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in children for early diagnosis and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to April 2016, available electronic and operation theatre (OT) records of 17 patients with confirmed diagnosis of abdominal TB were analysed retrospectively. Parameters reviewed were age, sex, presentations, diagnostic investigations, surgery/intervention performed, final outcome and follow-up. RESULTS: Out of 17 patients, 6 (35.3%) were already operated elsewhere. The duration of symptoms ranged from 4 to 58 weeks. Abdominal pain was present in all cases whereas 11 (64.7%) had abdominal distension, 16 (94.1%) fever, 14 (82.3%) ascites, 9 (52.9%) vomiting, 14 (82.3%) weight loss, 6 (35.3%) anorexia and 4 (23.5%) night sweat. All patients needed surgical intervention for definitive diagnosis. Thirteen (76.5%) out of 17 patients managed by staged surgery and primary anastomosis/repair/adhesiolysis were done in 4 (23.5%) patients. The main post-operative problems were wound infections (8; 47.1%), subacute bowel obstruction (6; 35.3%) and chest infections (12; 70.6%). Follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 5.5 years. CONCLUSION: Abdominal TB should always be considered in differential diagnosis in children presenting with abdominal pain/distension, fever and ascites or with abdominopelvic mass. Recurrent bowel obstruction or anastomotic disruptions also give clues of its diagnosis. A careful history of illness, high index of suspicion, ascitic fluid adenosine deaminase or polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium needed for early diagnosis. Prompt minimal surgical interventions, preferred diversion over primary anastomosis, algorithmic vigilant post-operative care and early antitubercular treatment required for success in acute crisis.

[Abdominal tuberculosis, a diagnostic dilemma: report of a series of cases]. / Tuberculosis abdominal, un dilema diagnóstico: reporte de una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal tuberculosis is one of the most common non-pulmonary tuberculosis infection sites, and it relates to immunosuppression. The nonspecific features of this form of tuberculosis make an accurate diagnosis difficult. The aim of this study is to report seven (7) patients diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis requiring surgery at the Clinical Hospital of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of seven cases of abdominal tuberculosis treated in our center between August 2001 and June 2013 was performed to characterize its clinical presentation and diagnostic elements. RESULTS: Four men and three women (29-68 years old) were diagnosed and operated on for abdominal tuberculosis: three had the peritoneal form of tuberculosis, two had a lymph nodal form and two had the intestinal form. In three cases, abdominal tuberculosis was associated with immunosuppression (HIV and rheumatoid arthritis treatment) and six cases presented with wasting syndrome of at least one month duration. Three patients had an acute presentation with signs of intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis was made by surgical biopsy. Of the seven patients, who underwent surgery, three required bowel resection for intestinal obstruction. CONCLUSION: Abdominal tuberculosis requires a high index of suspicion for an early diagnosis, especially in populations at risk.

INTRODUCCIÓN : La tuberculosis abdominal es una de las variantes extrapulmonares más frecuentes. Se relaciona a estados de inmunodepresión y, dado su cuadro clínico inespecífico, su diagnóstico es difícil. Nuestro objetivo es presentar una serie de siete casos diagnosticados de tuberculosis abdominal que requirieron cirugía en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los siete casos de tuberculosis abdominal operados en nuestro centro entre agosto de 2001 y junio de 2013, caracterizando su presentación clínica y elementos diagnósticos requeridos. RESULTADOS: Cuatro hombres y tres mujeres (entre 29 y 68 años) fueron diagnosticados y operados de tuberculosis abdominal: tres en su forma peritoneal, dos ganglionar y dos intestinal. En tres casos la tuberculosis abdominal se asoció a inmunosupresión (VIH y artritis reumatoide en tratamiento) y en seis casos se presentó con síndrome consuntivo de al menos un mes de evolución. Tres pacientes tuvieron una presentación aguda con signos de obstrucción intestinal. El diagnóstico fue realizado mediante biopsia quirúrgica. Los siete pacientes fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente, tres de ellos requirieron resección intestinal en el contexto de obstrucción intestinal. CONCLUSIÓN: La tuberculosis abdominal requiere de un alto índice de sospecha, principalmente en población de riesgo, para un diagnóstico oportuno.

Is abdominal tuberculosis a surgical problem?

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) has always been a diagnostic challenge, even for the astute surgeon. In developing countries, extrapulmonary TB often presents as an acute abdomen in surgical emergencies such as perforations and obstructions of the gut. Abdominal TB in different forms has been found more often as an aetiology for the chronic abdomen. This paper aims to evaluate TB as a surgical problem. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature on abdominal TB was undertaken. PubMed searches for articles listing abdominal TB/different types/diagnosis/treatment (1980-2012) were performed. RESULTS: TB is still a global health problem and the abdomen is one of the most common sites of extrapulmonary TB. Presentation may vary from an acute abdomen to a number of different chronic presentations, which can mimic other abdominal diseases. While some may benefit from antitubercular therapy, others may develop surgical problems such as strictures or obstruction, which may necessitate surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal TB should always be considered one of the differential diagnoses of acute or chronic abdomen in endemic areas.