Clinical course of tuberculous peritonitis determined by laparoscopy

Abstract

We describe laparoscopic findings of tuberculous peritonitis in a 68-year-old man and those at follow-up 8 months later. The initial laparoscopic findings revealed typical yellowish-white nodules on the liver surface, and histological findings showed granulomas with caseous necrosis. Laparoscopy 8 months later showed that anti-tubercular drugs had diminished the nodules and adhesions with a fibrin net appearance were evident. Laparoscopy and biopsy are useful for a rapid diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis. © 2010 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.