As cases of abdominal tuberculosis rise, doctors stress early diagnosis

Lucknow: Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal swelling or distension could indicate abdominal tuberculosis, doctors cautioned while flagging a rise in such cases.The condition, which affects the intestines, abdominal lining and lymph nodes, was highlighted on the opening day of the 114th Foundation Day programme of the Department of General Surgery at King George's Medical University on Tuesday.Experts stressed the need for early diagnosis and completion of treatment to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Around 140 doctors and students from various medical institutions participated in the programme.Head of the department of surgery at GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Dr G Yadav said, "Patients with abdominal TB often report rapid weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, loss of appetite, mild fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal swelling and weakness.""Symptoms are frequently mistaken for routine indigestion or gastric problems, delaying diagnosis," he said.Dr Yadav noted that tuberculosis spreads through the air and that low immunity, malnutrition and contact with infected persons increase the risk. He emphasised nutrition, hygiene and respiratory precautions as preventive measures. He also underlined the protective role of BCG vaccination and warned that discontinuing anti-tubercular therapy midway can lead to serious consequences.Academic sessions during the programme covered multiple surgical subjects. Prof Brajesh Mishra and Prof Harshvardhan from the department of plastic surgery spoke on burn injury management.Head of Trauma Surgery, Prof Sandeep Tiwari, along with former professor Vinod Jain, delivered a session on the management of chest and abdominal trauma. Prof Shailendra Yadav spoke on complex neck surgeries, while Dr Suresh Kumar discussed thoracic diseases and their management.Among those present were Prof Akshay Anand, Prof Ravi Kumar, Dr Bhupendra, Prof J D Rawat, Dr Archika, Dr Rajesh Gupta, Dr Basant Kumar, Dr Ambrish Kumar and Dr Pankaj Kumar.