Free tubercular perforation of the ileum

BACKGROUND Peritonitis secondary to small bowel perforation is a common surgical emergency seen across the globe. METHODS A young male patient presented with ileal perforation that was repaired primarily. He recovered uneventfully after the operation. RESULTS Histopathology of the margins of the perforation revealed tuberculosis. A search for evidence of a primary focus of tuberculosis was unsuccessful. The patient was started on anti- tubercular therapy and he was followed up with good results. CONCLUSION This present case underscores the importance of biopsy specimens taken from the margins of patients with ileal perforation to avoid the misdiagnosis of such condition.