Colorectal tuberculosis

Seven cases of colorectal (five of colonic and two of rectal) tuberculosis are presented. Only one of these patients had associated pulmonary tuberculosis. Radiologic signs of colorectal tuberculosis are nontypical, making the preoperative diagnosis difficult. All five patients with colonic tuberculosis presented with subacute intestinal obstruction and underwent resectional surgery followed by antitubercular chemotherapy. Both patients with rectal tuberculosis presented with rectal strictures and were treated by repeated dilatation combined with antitubercular drugs. All seven patients have been followed for two to ten years and have remained asymptomatic.

Retained surgical sponge after laparotomy. Unusual presentation

Erosion of a retained surgical sponge into the intestine is an unusual occurrence and may make its appearance months or years later. The demonstration of a distended bowel by the barium-impregnated mass with multiple polypoidal filling defects in a patient who has undergone previous laparotomy should lead the physician to suspect a retained surgical sponge. Surgical intervention is rewarding.