Clinico-Pathological Profile and Surgical Outcome of Patients of Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis Undergoing Laparotomy

Tuberculosis is one of the earliest diseases affecting the mankind. Abdominal tuberculosis constitutes a common public health issue in developing countries like ours. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis often involves the ileocecal region. Surgery in case of abdominal tuberculosis is required to overcome the deleterious effects of the disease like tissue disorganization, obstruction and perforatio.

1. To study the various clinical profiles of gastrointestinal tuberculosis in patients undergoing laparotomy; 2. To study the surgical pathology of gastrointestinal tuberculosis; 3. To study the various surgical treatment modalities based upon the intraoperative findings and its outcome. Results: This is a prospective study over 12 months at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRHU, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun. This study was done to study the clinic-pathological profile of gastrointestinal tuberculosis undergoing laparotomy. Incidence of gastro intestinal tuberculosis was seen highest in age group 15 to 25 years with male predominance. Most commonly presentation being intestinal obstruction with ileo-caecal as the most common area involved and right hemicolectomy as the commonest procedure done. Common surgical pathologies were ileo-caecal mass and ileal perforation and this also has relation to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Inspite of specific antituberculous drugs and vast measures against the disease, including chemoprophylaxis and pasteurisation abdominal tuberculosis remains a fairly common disease even today. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis has an indolent course and the common mode of presentation is usually sub acute or chronic. Prompt surgical exploration, vigilant postoperative care and administration of ATD helped to treat the patients successfully with their complete cure and rehabilitation.