PERITONEAL BIOPSY

ITS ROLE IN EXUDATE ASCITES

Abstract

The objective of this study was to access the role of peritoneal biopsy
in patients with exudative ascities. 30 patients with exudative ascities were studied at Military Hospital Rawalpindi and
Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi .In all patients peritoneal biopsy was done by open method. Biopsy was
suggestive in 16 patients .In 9 patients it showed chronic granulomatous inflammation and in 7 patients it was
suggestive of abdominal malignancy, in rest of the patients it was nonspecific .In the last group of patients four patients
were given a trail of ATT to which they responded. The condition was more common in females (71.4%), and
tuberculosis involved women in childbearing age while malignancy mostly in 6th and seventh decade.100% patients
presented with abdominal distention and only 30% with abdominal pain. Other symptoms were loss of appetite,
shortness of breath, easy fatiguability and fever .We conclude that peritoneal biopsy is a safe and reliable method of
diagnosis for patients with exudative ascities and should be done in every case if the patient’s condition permits.
Although in very sick patients a trial of ATT can be given and should be continued.