Ultrasound scans done by surgeons for patients with acute abdominal pain: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the routine use of abdominal ultrasonography (US) in patients admitted to the surgical emergency unit with acute abdominal pain.


METHODS
Prospective study with a three-step evaluation of patients over a 12-month period.


METHODS
University hospital, Switzerland.


METHODS
496 patients (male/female = 234/262; mean age 45 years) who presented with acute abdominal pain.


METHODS
Every patient underwent routine investigations and had an abdominal US by the attending surgeon.


METHODS
Clinical diagnosis, post-ultrasonography diagnosis and final diagnosis.


RESULTS
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%.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography should be part of routine surgical investigation and should be mastered and used by surgeons.
Allemann
F
F
Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
Cassina
P
P
Röthlin
M
M
Largiadèr
F
F
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography