Ano-perineal Suppurations of Tuberculous Origin: Study of 19 Cases
Abstract:
Anoperineal localization of digestive tuberculosis is uncommon.Suppurative forms, particularly abscesses and anal fistulas, pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Aim: Todescribe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of suppurative anoperineal tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: Thisis a retrospective descriptive study of anoperineal tuberculosis cases collected over a 12-year period, from July 2013 to July 2025, including all patients managed for anal fistula and/or anal abscess.
Results: Nineteen cases of anoperineal tuberculosis were identified, including 18 cases of anal fistulas and 1 case of anal abscess. The diagnosis was confirmed in 9 patients and considered probable in 10 others.Management was medico-surgical, combining anti-tuberculous therapy with surgical procedures: drainage of fistulas using setons in 17 patients, drainage of an anal abscess in 1 patient, and fistulotomy in 1 patient. Outcomes were favorable in the majority of patients. One recurrence was observed after 5 years of follow-up. Two patients still had persistent perianal collections with fistulas and underwent surgicalre-exploration, while three patients were lost to follow-up.
Conclusions: Anoperineal tuberculosis is a rare and complex form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, often difficult to diagnose. Appropriate medico-surgical management allows effective healing. Preventive measures remain essential to reduce morbidity and limit disease transmission.
KeyWords:
Tuberculosis, Anoperineal fistula, Anal abscess, MTB PCR, Antituberculous therapy
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