Reactivation of genito-urinary tuberculosis: a retrospective review of 838 cases.

Relapse occurred in 53 cases out of 838 consecutive cases of genito-urinary tuberculosis, followed for periods of 11 months to 27 years. Initial and recurrent disease is classified, and the treatment given is described. Length of inactivity is estimated, and correlated with the type of therapy given. Sensitivity of the organisms to chemotherapy is stated. Conclusions suggest that a life-long follow-up, at yearly intervals, of patients with genito-urinary tuberculosis is justified, as recurrences are diagnosed early, destructive changes are than unlikely, further surgery may be avoided, and a repeat course of chemotherapy is usually curative.