Tuberculous appendicitis in India

Tuberculous appendicitis (TBA) is a rare condition. The present study has been conducted to study its prevalence and presentation. This retrospective study was performed in the Department of Surgery, NSCB Government Medical College, Jabalpur, MP, India, in 870 consecutive appenclectomies performed between January 1991 and December 2000. Of 870 consecutive appendicular specimens, 10 cases of primary (1.1%) and 16 of secondary TBA (1.8%) were encountered. Results of all pre-operative investigations were non-specific and the diagnosis was made only after histopathology. The prevalence of TBA in this study was 2.9%. Although it is a rare condition, its possibility should be kept in mind by clinicians as well as pathologists. All surgically removed appendix specimens should be histopathologically examined, whether or not the specimens are macroscopically normal. Given antitubercular treatment in addition to appendectomy, patients recover without complications.