Abstract
To evaluate the routine use of abdominal ultrasonography (US) in patients admitted to the surgical emergency unit with acute abdominal pain. Prospective study with a three-step evaluation of patients over a 12-month period. University hospital, Switzerland. 496 patients (male/female = 234/262; mean age 45 years) who presented with acute abdominal pain. Every patient underwent routine investigations and had an abdominal US by the attending surgeon. Clinical diagnosis, post-ultrasonography diagnosis and final diagnosis. US improved the correct diagnostic rate from 348 (70%) to 414 (83%). The diagnostic accuracy for acute appendicitis and biliary tract disease improved after US from 455 (92%) to 488 (98%) and from 463 (93%) to 490 (99%), respectively; the corresponding sensitivities and specificities were 91% and 99% and 94% and 99%. Ultrasonography should be part of routine surgical investigation and should be mastered and used by surgeons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
