TP9.2.5Routine ultrasound in paediatric appendicitis is highly accurate and substantially reduces negative appendicectomy rate

Abstract

Abstract Aims Our centre routinely uses ultrasound in adults to confirm diagnosis of appendicitis. This study investigated its use in the diagnosis of suspected appendicitis in children and its impact on management. Methods Retrospective cohort study of children (5-16 years) managed by general surgeons with suspected appendicitis during 2019. Primary outcomes were ultrasound use. Secondary outcomes were diagnosis, length of stay, complications and negative appendicectomy rate. Results A total of 193 children were admitted with suspected appendicitis. The majority underwent an ultrasound scan (169/193 [88%]) which identified an inflammed appendix or secondary-inflammation in nearly all cases of appendicitis (65/71 [91%] and 5/71 [7%] respectively). A normal appendix was identified in more than half of children not diagnosed with appendicitis (53/95 [56%]), with the rest showing an ovarian pathology (3/95 [3%]) or normal scan (39/95 [41%]). Ultrasound had high sensitivity (92% [CI 83-97%]) and specificity (100% [CI 96-100%]) for appendicitis. The majority of children diagnosed with appendicitis were treated with laparoscopic appendicectomy (75/85 [88%]) and a minority medically-managed (10/75 [12%]). One appendix mass was medically-managed, and two Meckels Diverticulitis underwent a laparoscopic small bowel resection. Negative appendicectomy rate was extremely low (2/77 [2.5%]). Post-operative complication rate was low (6%). Median length of stay was short for appendicitis and all other diagnoses (2days [IQR 2.2] and 1day [IQR 0] respectively). Discussion The majority of children with suspected appendicitis underwent pre-operative ultrasound, which was highly sensitive and specific for appendicitis. Negative appendicectomy rate was extremely low, and likely related to routine pre-operative imaging.