Is abdominal tuberculosis a surgical problem?

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.

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.

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.

Abdominal TB should always be considered one of the differential diagnoses of acute or chronic abdomen in endemic areas.