G. Kishore Babu1, Subhashini2
INTRODUCTION
Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute surgical abdomen. The diagnosis may be easy but may also be very difficult. Diagnostic difficulties, in patients with atypical clinical findings have resulted in unnecessary appendicectomies which have been variably between 15%-30%. Diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains challenging despite improvement in history taking clinical examination, new computer aided decision support system, clinical diagnostic sourcing and new imaging techniques. Diagnostic scores are useful and easy methods which help in surgical decision to reach. These scores make use of clinical, analytical and radiological findings to produce a rationalized model of clinical decision making. Presently several such diagnostic scoring systems have been proposed to aid the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The description of Alvarado scoring system introduced in 1986, has greatly improved the ability to diagnose.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To Study the Efficacy of ALVARADO scoring in early clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis and decrease in morbidity and mortality of patients admitted with abdominal pain subjected to appendicectomy in SVRRGGH Tirupati. To reduce the negative appendicectomy rates by establishing a prompt and correct diagnosis.
METHODOLOGY
A study of 120 patients presenting with pain abdomen and diagnosed provisionally as acute appendicitis was undertaken. Depending on individual presentation, a score was calculated for each case. Operative and conservative intervention was undertaken in patients with scores between 5 and 10 and <5 respectively. The results of scoring system, on table operative findings and HPE, were reviewed.
CONCLUSION
The Alvarado scoring system is a fast, simple, reliable, non-invasive, repeatable and safe diagnostic modality without extra expense and complications. It has greater sensitivity in males.
