Clinical guidelines, computed tomography scan, and negative appendectomies: a case series - 18/08/11
Abstract |
Introduction |
Prior studies suggest that preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan can contribute to a low negative appendectomy rate. Our study objective was to evaluate cases of negative appendectomies for clinical criteria and CT use.
Methods |
Retrospective 1-year study of all negative appendectomies at a community hospital. Data included clinical evidence for appendicitis as well as CT results if performed.
Results |
Of 122 cases reviewed, 8 (6.6%) were negative appendectomies. Six were younger than 20 years. Four had a preoperative CT scan. Overall, 106 (87%) of 122 cases received preoperative CT and had a negative appendectomy rate of 3.8%. Sixteen cases did not have preoperative CT and had a negative appendectomy rate of 25% (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-38.5; Fisher exact test P = .01).
Conclusion |
Patients who had a CT scan for suspected appendicitis had a lower rate of negative appendectomies than those who had no CT. Most of the negative appendectomies occurred in patients younger than 20 years.
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Vol 24 - N° 1
P. 68-72 - janvier 2006 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- ALARMED: Adverse events in Low-risk patients with chest pain Receiving continuous electrocardiographic Monitoring in the Emergency Department. A pilot study
- Clare Atzema, Michael J. Schull, Bjug Borgundvaag, Graham R.D. Slaughter, Cheong K. Lee
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- Raymond G. Hart, Gillian D. Smith, Adeel Haq
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