Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is the comparison ultrasonography used as diagnostic tool preoperatively comparing it. Clinical assessment was used as diagnostic protocols.   Study design: This is a prospective observational study comparing the adverse outcome in two different groups of patients admitted with suspected acute appendicitis. The first group l00 patients were managed without ultrasonography. In the second group we use routinely graded compression abdominal ultrasonography preoperatively. Diagnostic accuracy of the protocol in each group was measured statistically and rates of negative appendectomy and perforation were determined.    Result: Addition of routine ultrasonography in clinical assessment for acute appendicitis decrease the sensitivity but significantly increases the specificity of the protocol there by reducing the false positive rate translating into decrease negative appendicectomy rate. Rate of negative appendectomy was 22.5% in group one and 4.7% in group two. Perforation rate was 15.61 in group 1 and 15% in group 2. Conclusion: Proper clinical assessment is the mainstay of diagnosis in acute appendicitis and by adding graded compression ultrasonography technique can improve the diagnostic accuracy and adverse outcome.