Laparoscopic Diagnosis of Peritoneal Tuberculosis

Abstract

Peritoneal tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis, which involves parietal and visceral peritoneum, omentum, and intestinal mesentery. Its incidence is increasing in developed countries due to HIV infection and immigration. We present a case of peritoneal tuberculosis in a twenty two-year-old patient misdiagnosed with appendicitis. A laparoscopic surgery was performed showing multiple implants on serosal surfaces and adhesions. Laparoscopic appendectomy and peritoneal biopsies were performed. As peritoneal tuberculosis was suspected, an early antituberculous treatment was initiated. A pathological examination of the samples revealed epithelioid granulomas with a centrale caseous necrosis and acid-fast bacilli. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a challenging diagnosis that can mimic other pathologies and should be kept in mind to establish an early antituberculosis treatment avoiding the high morbidity and mortality associated with a late treatment initiation. In case of suspicion of peritoneal tuberculosis, laparoscopy with guided biopsies is useful for the establishment of a correct diagnosis.

Keywords: acute care surgery; gastrointestinal; general surgery; minimally invasive surgery.