Prospective Study to Know Sensitivity & Specificity of Ultrasound Establishing the Status of Appendix in Clinically Suspected Acute Appendicitis & Its Correlation with Intra-Operative Findings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71393/sfafc428Keywords:
Acute Appendicitis, Ultrasonography, Intra-operative Findings, Sensitivity, Specificity, Diagnostic AccuracyAbstract
Introduction: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. Imaging, particularly ultrasound (USG), plays a crucial diagnostic role, but its accuracy in predicting intra-operative findings requires further validation in local populations.
Aims & Objectives: The aim was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of USG in establishing appendiceal status in suspected acute appendicitis and correlate it with intra-operative findings. Objectives included studying clinical, USG, and intra-operative findings.
Materials & Methods: An interventional prospective study was conducted on 87 adult patients with suspected acute appendicitis at a tertiary hospital. All underwent clinical evaluation, Alvarado scoring, abdominal USG, and subsequent surgery (laparoscopic or open). Intra-operative findings were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean age was 35.54±13.70 years, with male predominance (60.92%). Retrocecal was the most common appendiceal position on USG (37.93%) and intra-operatively (27.59%). Complicated appendicitis (gangrenous/perforated) was found in 27.59% of cases. USG findings of free fluid and peri-appendiceal collection showed high specificity (77.78%) and negative predictive value (92.45%) for complicated disease, with a significant association (p<0.001). Appendiceal diameter >6mm was significantly associated with complicated pathology (p<0.001). USG findings also correlated significantly with higher Alvarado scores, open surgery, and postoperative complications.
Conclusion: USG is a valuable, non-invasive tool with good diagnostic performance, particularly its negative predictive value for ruling out complicated appendicitis. It correlates well with intra-operative severity, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes, supporting its integral role in preoperative assessment.
