Abdominal tuberculosis in children

Fifty cases of abdominal tuberculosis, seen over a 10-year period, are reviewed. A mass in the abdomen, with or without intestinal obstruction, was the commonest mode of presentation. Biochemical, haematological and bacteriological tests were of limited help in making a definite diagnosis, which was largely based on laparoscopic findings or on biopsy material obtained at operation. Laparoscopy was considered a simple, safe and reliable method for diagnosis, and it was at times possible to avoid a laparotomy. At operation, only the minimum of surgery was attempted. Division of bands, adhesiolysis, and conservative resection were performed, according to the intraoperative findings. Bypass operations are reserved for duodenal obstruction or extensively involved bowel. The prognosis was found to be excellent and the mortality negligible.