Are CT Scans Over-Utilized for the Diagnosis of Appendicitis?

Abstract

Introduction: Acute appendicitis a challenging diagnosis to make for surgeons and emergency medicine physicians alike. It is by far the most common non-traumatic surgical emergency coming through the emergency departments. Over the years, CT scan has become an important adjunct diagnostic tool. Unfortunately, over utilization of CT scanning has been questioned since it increases time patients spend in the emergency department, subject patients to additional radiation, and increases healthcare costs.