Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Perianal Tuberculosis at Vietduc University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Perianal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The aim of the present study is to describe the clinical features and treatment results of perianal tuberculosis.

Patients and Methods: We performed a medical records review of patients with confirmed perianal tuberculosis by histopathological examination or microbiological results treated at Vietduc University Hospital from 2012 to 2017.

Results: There were 15 patients, all of whom were male. Seven patients had a previous history of perianal surgery, 3 had immunodeficiency status, 7 with other tuberculosis lesions. The mean duration of illness was 16.5 months. Ten patients had complex anal fistula or abscesses, 13 patients underwent surgical treatment, and one patient underwent tumor biopsy. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up. Two patients had postoperative incontinence, 2 died of other causes (one due to multi-organ tuberculosis, the other of leukemia).

Conclusions: The diagnosis of perianal TB is based on postoperative histopathology and microbiology. Proctologists should be aware of this condition in patients with long-standing perianal lesions or patients with tuberculosis at other organs associated with perianal disease. Treatment includes anti-tuberculosis drugs and surgery.