**Core Concept**
Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a form of extrapulmonary TB that affects the gastrointestinal tract, often presenting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and bowel obstruction. In severe cases, intestinal TB may require surgical intervention in the form of laparotomy.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common indication for laparotomy in intestinal TB is bowel obstruction. This occurs when the TB infection leads to stricture formation in the intestine, causing a blockage that prevents the normal flow of intestinal contents. Bowel obstruction can lead to severe complications, including bowel ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis, which may necessitate surgical intervention. In cases of bowel obstruction due to intestinal TB, laparotomy is often performed to relieve the obstruction and manage any associated complications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Intestinal perforation is a serious complication of intestinal TB, but it is not the most common indication for laparotomy.
**Option B:** Intestinal bleeding is not a common indication for laparotomy in intestinal TB, as it is often managed conservatively with medical therapy.
**Option C:** Intestinal TB may cause weight loss and malnutrition, but these symptoms are not typically indications for laparotomy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential for clinicians to recognize the signs and symptoms of intestinal TB, including abdominal pain, weight loss, and bowel obstruction, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the need for surgical intervention.
**Correct Answer:** C.
Free Medical MCQs · NEET PG · USMLE · AIIMS
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