LAPAROSCOPY IN THE EVALUATION AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH AIDS ANDACUTE ABDOMINAL COMPLAINTS

Background: The evaluation of AIDS patients with acute abdominal compl aints (AAC) is quite difficult, and surgical intervention is associate d with a high complication rate. The intent of this study is to evalua te the application of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of AI DS patients with AAC. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 10 consecutive AIDS patients who presented with AAC. Each had evaluation by a surgical team with subsequent laparoscopic intervention. The char ts were reviewed for age, sex, time with AIDS, AIDS comorbidities, eva luation modalities, findings, treatment modalities, and outcome. Resul ts: Laparoscopy resulted in the successful surgical treatment of four patients, diagnosis of medically treatable conditions in four patients , and alteration of the incision site in the remaining two patients. E ach patient thus received direct benefit from laparoscopy. Two complic ations, in the converted patients, and no mortalities were encountered . Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective interventional moda lity in the diagnosis and treatment of AAC in the AIDS patient.