Laparoscopy in tuberculous peritonitis

Intra-abdominal tuberculosis remains a significant health hazard in the developing countries. In countries where sophisticated medical facilities are not easily available, laparoscopic examination of intra-abdominal organs is helpful. In this study, 22 patients were found to have peritoneal tuberculosis out of 82 laparoscopic examinations. The major clinical presentation in these patients were abdominal pain, weight loss, fever and ascites. Tuberculin test was not always positive. Direct visualization of the peritoneum and obtaining peritoneal biopsies provide the definitive tissue diagnosis to confirm the clinical diagnosis.