Tuberculosis can occur in any part of the body and abdomen is no exception. Abdomen is the commonest site of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients with HIV infection are more prone to abdominal tuberculosis than the lung variety and hence anyone with abd.TB should get tested for HIV.
The symptoms may be very non-specific with malaise, loss of appetite and weight. Fever with night sweats may be there too. Not uncommonly the abdomen is distended due to accumulation of water in the abdomen. Blood tests and ultrasound of the abdomen usually are good enough for a diagnosis. But occassionally a diagnostic laparoscopy is necessary to look into the abdomen and take a tissue biopsy for confirmation.
Abdominal tuberculosis can co-exist with pulmonary TB. Unlike some open cases of pulmonary TB , abd.TB is not contagious. It is eminently curable with a complete course of anti-tuberculosis therapy which may range from 6 to 12 months. At time abdominal TB can present with bowel obstruction requiring surgical treatment.
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