Abstract:
Intestinal tuberculosis is a major problem in many regions of the world. The incidence of it is rising in
Western countries due to immigration from Third World countries and human immunodeficiency virus
infection. The difference between the simple closure and resection and anastomosis was evaluated in
this study. Retrospectively, 12 patients with intestinal tuberculosis diagnosed histopathologically among
50 patients with free intestinal perforations operated on between 1995 and 2003 at Turgut Ozal Medical
Center were evaluated. Each patient underwent routine laboratory tests and radiologic studies. The most
common symptoms of patients were abdominal pain, night sweats, and weight loss. Sites of perforation
were ileum in 10 patients (multiple perforation in 4) and jejunum in 2 patients (both had multiple
perforations). The perforation was closed by primary closure in 7 patients. Resection-anastomosis
was performed in 5 patients. Leaks occurred in overall 3 of 7 patients with primary closure. Three of
the 7 patients with leaks due to septicemia died. The mortality rate among all patients was 25%.
Intestinal tuberculosis should be kept in mind as a cause in free intestinal perforations. Because of high
mortality rate, the resection of the affected area and anastomosis may be the treatment of choice rather
than primary closure.
