Prevalence of intestinal tuberculosis in cases of acute abdomen

To determine the prevalence of Intestinal Tuberculosis in cases of Acute abdomen. A randomized prospective study from April 2002 to March 2005. Surgical Unit-I, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana. A total number of 200 patients with Acute Abdomen, who presented as intestinal obstruction or peritonitis. Detailed data of each patient including presentation, operative findings, procedure performed, post operative outcome and histopathology was entered on a specially designed proforma, compiled and analyzed. Among the 200 patients with acute abdomen, 32 [16%] had Intestinal Tuberculosis on the basis of operative findings and histopatholoigcal reports. Age of the patients ranged between 15 to 65 years; majority [75%] were in the age group of 20 to 40 years. Male to female ratio was 1:0.45. Twelve [37.5%] patients had evidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis as well on X-ray chest. The commonest operative findings were hyperplastic ileocaecal tuberculosis [34.3%], followed by strictures [25%], and perforations [25%]. The overall mortality in cases of acute abdomen was 6% and among tubercular patients 9.3%. Intestinal Tuberculosis is a common problem presenting to general surgical units in the developing countries, often in an acute form. A high index of suspicion, proper evaluation and therapeutic trial in suspected patients is essential for an early diagnosis, in order to minimize complications

Abdominal wound dehiscence: frequency and risk factors

To determine the frequency and associated risk factors in patients with abdominal wound dehiscence. A descriptive study. Surgical Unit-I, Chandka Medical College Teaching Hospital, Larkana, between May 2002 toApril 2005. This study included patients with various etiologies of emergency and elective midline laparotomies. The patients operated with other incisionswere excluded. The data obtained was analyzed for each patient and postoperative complications were documented. Out of total 300 patients, 16 developed wound dehiscence giving an overall frequency of5.33%. Age ranged from 10-82 years with mean age of 33.5. Male to female ratio was 1:0.58. The frequency was greater in males than females with ratio 3:1. Majority of the patients had gut perforation with peritonitis. Out of twenty one patients with hypoalbuminemia, 09 develops wound dehiscence. Emergency surgery showed a higher frequency of wound dehiscence 7% [14/200] compared to elective surgery 2% [2/100]. Wound infection was a major factor to wound failure. Old age was also associated with greater frequency. The mortality rate of abdominal wound dehiscence was 25%, due to septicemia and multiple organfailure.Abdominal wound dehiscence still continues to be a major postoperative complication, with a high morbidity and mortality, and has significant impact on health care cost. The significant risk factors in this study were primary disease presented with peritonitis, emergency surgery, old age, male gender; wound injection and technique of closure. Less significant factors were jaundice, uremia, diabetes, and type of suture material used