Improved diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected appendicitis
(EN)
B. Tingstedt1, R. Andersson2, B.
Background: Studies during the 1990s showed that it was
possible to reduce the rate of negative appendectomies by using
various diagnostic methods. The present study aims to evaluate
the effect on diagnostic accuracy of implementation of repeated
clinical examination and blood tests in a small county hospital
without possibilities of radiological assistance on a 24-hour
basis.
Methodology: Prospective study of all appendectomies performed
at Ystad General Hospital, Sweden. Leukocyte count
and C-reactive protein levels were analysed in all patients.
Patients with suspicion of acute appendicitis were admitted
for active observation, repeated clinical examination and
analyses of leukocyte counts and CRP levels.
Results: 533 appendectomies were performed during 1996-
2000 and compared with the index year 1995. Diagnostic
accuracy increased from 73% to 90% (p
(EN)
