DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON ACUTE APPENDICITIS DIAGNOSIS USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AMONG RURAL POPULATION OF KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT, TAMILNADU

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis stands as one of the most prevalent causes of surgical emergencies globally, with appendectomy serving as the established treatment. A timely diagnosis followed by appendectomy before complications such as gangrene or perforation arise is crucial for a successful outcome. This study assess the efficacy of sonography in diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients with an Alvarado score of 4–7.

Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care  Hospital, in Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu over nine months period. Patients with an Alvarado score of 3–8 were included and categorized into two groups: those who underwent preoperative ultrasound and those who did not undergo any imaging for AA diagnosis. Data including demographics, histopathology, physical examination, laboratory findings, sonography reports, and histopathological reports were collected.

Results: Among 172 patients with Alvarado scores of 3–8 (97 males, 75 females). Sonography demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 65% and an accuracy of 73.6%. The rate of negative appendectomy was 24% in patients without sonography and 27% in those with sonography, with a higher incidence among females.

Conclusion: Sonography proves more beneficial in female patients with a positive result; however, its reliability diminishes when the result is negative. Complementary diagnostic modalities such as CT scan may enhance the accuracy of diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Keyword: USG, ACUTE APPENDICITIS, PAIN, ABDOMEN