AIDS surgery

Associate Editors-in-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [mailto:urastogi@perfuse.org]

Overview
HIV infected patients may require surgery to treat infections and diseases associated with the condition. Childbirth and Organ transplant are two of the many conditions that may require surgery in a HIV patient.

Abdominal surgery
Bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract are common among HIV patients, leading to enlarged lymph nodes. This lymphadenopathy can squeeze the appendix causing obstruction.

Anorectal surgery
Condylomas are wart-like growths, typically developing in HIV patients having concomitant human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Condylomas are present around the anus, vulva, or tip of the penis.

Brain surgery
Toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of brain lesions in HIV patients. Brain biopsy is required in patients who do not respond to treatment for confirming the diagnosis.