title: Comparison between laparoscopy and noninvasive tests for the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite recent progress, the fast and accurate diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) continues to be a challenge, mainly because of the lack of specific clinical features and the difficulty in isolating the M. tuberculosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of TBP, compared to noninvasive tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively studied 60 patients who had diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected TBP between January 2002 and June 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-one patients were diagnosed with TBP. In terms of accuracy and predictive value, the visual diagnosis via laparoscope was the most diagnostic test. In the noninvasive tests, both the ascitic adenosine deaminase (ADA) level over 30 U/l, and the ascitic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level over 90 U/l had relatively high positive, as well as negative, predictive values. The overall morbidity and mortality rates for laparoscopy were 5 and 5%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopy is a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for TBP. However, complications may occur. In older patients with associated conditions, a combination of various noninvasive tests and empirical treatments is needed prior to laparoscopy.
authors: Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, 80, Gurodong, Guro-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. drhkd@korea.ac.kr
authors: Kwang Dae
authors: KD
authors: Hong
authors: Sun Il
authors: SI
authors: Lee
authors: Hong Young
authors: HY
authors: Moon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000473:pathology; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome