Patient Education
TB of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and the abdominal cavity is known as abdominal tuberculosis.
How does abdominal TB occur?
Ingestion of the tuberculous germ by drinking unpasteurized milk of a cow infected with TB is one of the mechanisms of abdominal TB.
Abdominal TB can also occur by the spread of the TB bacillus from the lungs to the intestines by the bloodstream.
In 2/3 rd of children, there is predominant involvement of the digestive system. The involvement of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) occurs in the remaining of the patients. The involvement of only the lymph glands in the abdomen is rare.
What are the signs and symptoms of abdominal TB?
The clinical feature of abdominal tuberculosis is varied. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, loss of weight, anorexia, recurrent diarrhea, low-grade fever, cough, and distension of the abdomen.
The doctor on examination may feel a lump, fluid in the abdomen or a doughy feel of the abdomen. Also, there may be enlarged lymph glands elsewhere in the body.
How is the diagnosis of abdominal TB made?
Diagnosis can be confirmed by isolating the TB germ from the digestive system by either a biopsy or endoscopy. However, other supportive tests that may be done are the Mantoux test, Chest X-Ray, Abdominal X-Rays (with or without barium), and scans such as ultrasound and CT scan.
What are the complications of abdominal TB?
Untreated TB of the intestine may lead to intestinal obstruction, fistula or even abscess and perforation with resultant peritonitis.
What is the treatment of abdominal TB?
Abdominal TB needs to be treated with at least 3-4 anti TB drugs for the initial 2 months and subsequently 2 anti TB drugs for at least 7-10 months.
The commonly used drugs during the initial 2 months therapy (intensification phase) are Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide. During the next 7-10 months (continuation phase) 2 the drugs commonly used are INH and Rifampicin.
When is surgery required for Abdominal TB?
Surgery is required whenever there is perforation, abscess or fistula formation.