Gastrointestinal surgery in the AIDS patient.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is associated with opportunistic infections and unusual malignancies that may affect the gastrointestinal tract. The number of patients affected by this condition is large and will continue to increase. The manifestations of the disease may mimic acute surgical conditions. In addition, standard surgical problems may occur in the AIDS patient. Diagnosis may be confounded by pre-existing symptoms and atypical presentations. An awareness and understanding of the disease processes distinctive to AIDS patients is essential for surgeons so that they may provide appropriate care to their patients and, at the same time, protect themselves and their fellow health care team members.