[Laparoscopic aspects of peritoneal tuberculosis. Report of 163 cases].

The aim of this study is to report the results, the complications and limits of laparoscopy in patients with tuberculous peritonitis. In a retrospective study of 163 laparoscopy realized from 1970 to 1998. All the patients had exsudative ascites with predominantly of lymphocytes. Miliary nodules were found in 87% of cases, adhesions between the peritoneum and organs were found in 69% of cases and congestion in 63% of cases. Laparoscopically guide peritoneal biopsies detected caseating granulomas in 87% of cases. Laparoscopic appearance of the peritoneum mimicking a carcinosis in 15% of cases. One patient had complication as a bowel perforation. Miliary nodules and adherences are the more frequent appearances into peritoneal cavity in tuberculous peritonitis. With peritoneal biopsies, laparoscopy is always the best method for definitively and rapidly diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.