Usefulness and limitations of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.

The value of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was determined in 32 patients diagnosed histologically as having the condition. In 27 (85%) patients the diagnosis was obtained by laparoscopy combined with peritoneal biopsy. In five patients in whom laparoscopy was unsuccessful, the diagnosis was established by laparotomy. The visually established diagnosis was unreliable and needed histological confirmation. In the ascitic form of tuberculous peritonitis laparoscopy was a safe method which enabled a definitive diagnosis. In the fibroadhesive form of tuberculous peritonitis laparoscopy was risky and gave insufficient information, the diagnosis easily being established by laparotomy.