An evidence-based clinical protocol for diagnosis of acute appendicitis decreased the use of computed tomography in children

Obinna O. Adibe, Sejal R. Amin, Erik N. Hansen, Albert J. Chong, Lena Perger, Richard Keijzer, Oliver J. Muensterer, Keith E. Georgeson, Carroll M. Harmon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The increased use of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose appendicitis in children has led to a concern for the possibility of increased CT-related cancer morbidity. We designed a clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis in children in an attempt to decrease the use of CT scans at our institution. Methods: Patients who had surgical consultation for suspected appendicitis were placed on the clinical protocol. Data concerning diagnosis and treatment were collected prospectively. Retrospective data from patients admitted to our institution with acute appendicitis before the clinical protocol were collected as historical controls. Results: One hundred twelve patients were diagnosed and treated by our protocol between June and November 2009. Of these, 100 patients underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis. They were compared with 146 patients from 2007. In-house CT use decreased from 71.2% to 51.7% (P = .01). Preoperative ultrasound use increased from 2.7% to 21% (P < .001). The negative appendectomy rate increased (6.8% vs 11%, P = .25). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the implementation of an evidence-based clinical protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis in children may safely decrease the use of CT scans and increase the use of ultrasound.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)192-196
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume46
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute appendicitis
  • Clinical protocol
  • Computed tomography
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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