ABSTRACT

In order to identify the effectiveness of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis, we retrospectively reviewed the medical and pathology reports of 10 patients with peritoneal tuberculosis who were operated at our clinic with the suspicion of ovarian cancer during a 11-year period. The characteristics of the clinical picture, radiologic imaging studies, laboratory tests including polymerase chain reaction and the role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis were evaluated for differentiation of ovarian cancers and peritoneal tuberculosis. In conclusion, peritoneal tuberculosis should be suspected in young women with ascites with or without adnexal mass. Laparoscopy is an effective diagnostic tool in patients with no suspicion of adnexial masses.