Published Paper Details:

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that has plagued mankind since Neolithic times (8000 BC). Almost all cases of tuberculosis are caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The key to the diagnosis of TB remains a high index of suspicion. A definitive diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is not always possible with non-invasive imaging tests including contrast radiology, CT scan, MRI and abdominal ultrasonography. Laparoscopy with tissue biopsy is seen to be having an added advantage in diagnosis. Methods: Our study was a prospective study conducted in the department of General Surgery, Govt. Medical College Jammu from 1st November 2017 to 31st October 2019. All patients suspected of abdominal tuberculosis who presented to OPD or Emergency of GMC Jammu were included in study and aim was to study the various diagnostic methods in abdominal tuberculosis. Results: In our study, 104 patients of abdominal tuberculosis who presented to emergency or OPD Department of General Surgery, GMC Jammu were studied. The most common chest x-ray finding was opacity/consolidation. The most common abdominal x-ray finding was multiple air fluid levels, followed by free gas under diagphragm. The most common USG finding in our study was free fluid which was closely followed by dilated bowel loops. Some of the patients required diagnostic laparoscopy and even laparotomy for final diagnosis. Conclusion: In non-emergency setting, patient may need a battery of investigations including CECT, special biochemical markers for making diagnosis of abdominal Kochs. Inspite of specialized investigations, some patients may require diagnostic laparoscopy for confirmation of diagnosis which aids in inspection of macroscopic lesions and obtaining tissue for histopathology.