Surgical lessons learned from the Shigella dysenteriae type I epidemic.

Reports on the surgical problems and lessons encountered with an epidemic of Shigella dysenteriae type I in Africa. Signs and symptoms of the disease; Similarities with other endemic diseases; Difficulties in diagnosing the disease; Referral of patients to surgeons due to abdominal tenderness, distension, peritonitis or perforation; Performance of laparotomy due to evidence of perforation.