scholarly journals 699 Does Pre-Operative Imaging Improve Negative Appendicectomy Rate?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Dirie ◽  
N Merali ◽  
A. Maria S Macias
Keyword(s):  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Emergency Operations ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate ◽  
Negative Appendicectomy ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Aim Appendicectomy is one of the most commonly performed emergency operations. There is no set guideline for an acceptable negative appendectomy rate (NAR) in the UK. Based on previous studies, a NAR of 15-30% is typically accepted. We sought to define our local practice NAR in our initial audit, introduced an appendicitis pathway based on this initial data, and then re-audited to assess whether there had been an improvement in the NAR. Method All emergency appendicectomies carried out over a 1-year period from April 2018 – April 2019 were initially analysed. The subsequent audit analysed data from August 2020 - November 2020, after the pathway had been introduced. Histological analysis was used to determine positive or negative appendicectomy. Results A total of 207 patients had an appendicectomy over the initial 1-year time frame. In our re-audit, 38 patients had an appendicectomy. Demographics were similar in both groups. The NAR increased from 17% to 18%. Conclusions On first glance, the NAR does not seem to have improved. On a closer look, all patients over the age of 18 in our re-audit had a pre-operative CT, and there were no negative appendicectomies in these patients. The issue arises with younger patients, in whom justifying the radiation associated with a CT scan may be difficult. Although ultrasound does not carry the same radiation risk, previous audits at our trust have shown both its sensitivity and specificity for appendicitis is below 50%. We may have to explore alternative imaging modalities in the paediatric population or accept the higher NAR.

scholarly journals EP.FRI.960 USS appraisal in females of child bearing age presented with possible appendicitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fady Hatem ◽  
Samir Mostafa ◽  
Basel Chamali ◽  
Andrea Ivanov ◽  
Rebecca Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Single Centre Study ◽  
Positive Scan ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Aims Appendicitis remains the most common acute surgical condition.  No standard guidelines for the use of imaging studies, and there is a discrepancy between the published data regarding accuracy of these modalities and our practical findings. Yet the growing number of USS reported as “appendix not visualized” has led us to rethink about the value of USS in acute appendicitis.  Methods A retrospective single centre study for all females (15-45 years) underwent emergency appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis. Analysis of preoperative clinical, radiographic and postoperative histopathological data was done. Results 632 cases analysed over 18months, out of those 238 (37%) were females (15-45 years). USS was done in 129(54%) cases. 25(10.5) cases had both USS and CTAP. 32(13%) cases had only CTAP. The mean rate of appendix visualization in the USS was 30%(71cases) two thirds reported by radiologist versus one third by sonographers. Our negative appendectomy rate dropped from 25 to 15% after a positive scan.  Conclusions Traditional preference for ultrasound in the UK compared to CTAP in young population is mostly due to the potential hazards of irradiation, but USS commonly does not visualise the appendix in our practice (70%), and has low sensitivity and specificity for appendicitis.  However, following a positive USS, NAR dropped to 15%. Radiologists had a higher visualization rate of appendix compared to sonographers. Commitment to improve the performance of ultrasonography by allocating adequately timed sessions to the most experienced radiologists and increasing the use of low dose CT scans are possible solutions.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Appendicitis in Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
Jason W. Nielsen ◽  
Stuart A. Abel ◽  
Brian Kenney
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Streptococcal Pharyngitis ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate ◽  
Rule Out

Background. Several pathologies, including pharyngitis, are associated with abdominal pain that can mimic appendicitis. We sought to further understand the link between appendicitis-like symptoms and streptococcal (strep) pharyngitis. Methods. All patients undergoing ultrasound imaging for appendicitis in our emergency department during 2013 were reviewed (n = 1572). A total of 207 patients were identified who underwent both ultrasound for appendicitis and testing for strep pharyngitis. Demographic and outcomes data between rule out appendicitis patients who underwent strep testing and those who did not were compared. Results. Strep testing was more common in younger patients (mean age = 8.26 vs 10.26 years P < .001) and evenly matched by gender (104 male, 103 female). Of the 207 patients tested for strep pharyngitis, 8 (3.9%) patients had appendicitis and 35 (16.9%) patients tested positive for strep pharyngitis. No cases of concurrent strep pharyngitis and appendicitis were identified. The negative appendectomy rate in the strep pharyngitis tested group was 38.5% (5/13), compared with 7.7% (23/296) ( P = .003) in the nontested group. The appendicitis rate among the strep tested group was 3.8% (8/207) compared with 20% (273/1365) in the nontested group ( P < .001). Conclusions. Patients undergoing testing for strep pharyngitis were younger, had lower rates of appendicitis, and had a higher rate of negative appendectomy. A diagnosis of concurrent appendicitis and strep pharyngitis is rare. In cases of patients with sufficient symptoms to warrant testing for strep pharyngitis a diagnosis of appendicitis is less likely and surgical intervention leads to higher negative appendectomy rates.

scholarly journals An extremely rare and atypical paediatric presentation of a maxillary sinus haemangioma in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. e230696
Author(s):  
Aphrodite Iacovidou ◽  
Vikas Acharya ◽  
Devavrata Joshi ◽  
Ali Taghi
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Cavity ◽  
Maxillary Sinus ◽  
Nasal Obstruction ◽  
Unusual Case ◽  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Mass Lesion ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Right

We present a rare and unusual case of a 16-year-old girl, with no significant medical history, presenting with right nasal obstruction and suspected sinusitis with occasional epistaxis and haemoptysis. On examination, she had a mass lesion in the right nasal cavity, with no evidence of other pathology on assessment of the ears, nose, throat or head and neck. A CT scan revealed an opacified right maxillary sinus with polypoidal mucosa, extending and passing through the accessory ostium into the right nasal cavity. Examination under anaesthesia with functional endoscopic sinus surgery and excision of the lesion was subsequently undertaken. Histological analysis confirmed the mass lesion as a haemangioma. This case report is the first to present a maxillary haemangioma presenting as nasal obstruction with intermittent sinusitis symptoms in a child. The authors discuss the incidence, presentation and management of maxillary haemangiomas in the paediatric population.

scholarly journals 651 An Audit of Negative Appendectomy Rate at A District General Hospital in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Al-Hamid ◽  
S Jaskani ◽  
D Chattopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Readmission Rate ◽  
National Database ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Normal Appendix ◽  
Hospital Readmission Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Aim There is significant variation in management of acute appendicitis across the UK. Despite advancements in imaging modalities, acute appendicitis is still a clinical diagnosis. The primary aim of this study was to determine the negative appendectomy rate (NAR) and secondary aim was to look for the imaging results and hospital readmission rate in case of a normal appendix. Method It is a retrospective analysis of all the patients admitted with a suspicion of acute appendicitis from Jan 2018 to April 2019. For data collection hospital medical record was used. Information about patient demographic details, blood results, outcome, operative findings, and histology of appendix if removed, was collected. For Patients having negative appendectomy, hospital admission rate was calculated. Results Total 517 patients were admitted with suspected acute appendicitis and only 45.6% (n = 236) patients underwent surgery. Females=52.1%, Males 47.9%. Mean age was 31 years. NAR was 10.6% (n = 25). (Females= 9.3%, Males=1.3%), 8.4% female patients were below 35 years of age. Patients were divided into 3 groups (Normal appendix NA, Uncomplicated appendicitis UA, complicated appendicitis CA). There was a statistically significant difference in inflammatory markers between the groups. In NA group 17/25 patients underwent prior imaging and imaging suggested acute appendicitis in 7/17 patients. Post NA hospital readmission rate was 20%, all of them were females, and gynecology opinion was sought in all of them. Conclusions The negative appendectomy rate is at 10.6%, comparable to national database. It is more common in young females due to a range of differential diagnoses.

Surgical Case

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (SPL1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Hameed Al-Badri
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Voluntary Cough ◽  
Suspected Appendicitis ◽  
Sharp Pain ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate ◽  
Classical Symptom

Appendicitis is a common and urgentsurgical illness with protean manifestations,generous overlap with other clinical syndromes,and significant morbidity,whichincreases with diagnostic delay. No single sign,symptom,or diagnostic test accurately confirms the diagnosis ofappendiceal inflammation in all cases. The surgeon's goals are to evaluate a relatively small population of patients referred for suspected appendicitis and to minimize the negative appendectomy rate without increasing the incidence of perforation. The emergency department clinician must evaluate the larger group of patients who present to the ED with abdominal pain of all etiologies with the goal of approaching 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis in a time-,cost-,and consultation-efficient manner.IN 1886Reginald fitz, pathologist 1st described the clinical condition of A.A.Fewyears laterCharles mcBurney describe the clinical finding ofA.A.55% of patients presented with classical symptom of A.A so complication occurbecauseof atypical presentation which due to variation in app. Position, age of patient & degree of inflammation.Migrating pain 80% sensitive and specific Vomiting 50% Nausea60 -90 %Anorexia 75 % Diarrhea18 % 32 % has similar attach 90 % RLQ tenderness Marklesign 74 %Dunphy's sign (sharp pain in the RLQ elicited by a voluntary cough) may be helpful in making the clinical diagnosis of localized peritonitis. Similarly,RLQ pain in response to percussion of a remote quadrant of the abdomen,or to firm percussion of the patient's heel,suggests peritoneal Inflammation

scholarly journals Conditional CT Strategy—An Effective Tool to Reduce Negative Appendectomy Rate and the Overuse of the CT

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2456
Author(s):  
Raminta Luksaite-Lukste ◽  
Ruta Kliokyte ◽  
Arturas Samuilis ◽  
Eugenijus Jasiunas ◽  
Martynas Luksta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Transabdominal Ultrasound ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Negative Appendectomy Rate

(1) Background: Diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains challenging; either computed tomography (CT) is universally used or negative appendectomy rates of up to 30% are reported. Transabdominal ultrasound (TUS) as the first-choice imaging modality might be useful in adult patients to reduce the need for CT scans while maintaining low negative appendectomy (NA) rates. The aim of this study was to report the results of the conditional CT strategy for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. (2) Methods: All patients suspected of acute appendicitis were prospectively registered from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. Data on their clinical, radiological and surgical outcomes are presented. (3) Results: A total of 1855 patients were enrolled in our study: 1206 (65.0%) were women, 649 (35.0%) were men, and the median age was 34 years (IQR, 24.5–51). TUS was performed in 1851 (99.8%) patients, and CT in 463 (25.0%) patients. Appendices were not visualized on TUS in 1320 patients (71.3%). Furthermore, 172 (37.1%) of 463 CTs were diagnosed with AA, 42 (9.1%) CTs revealed alternative emergency diagnosis and 249 (53.8%) CTs were normal. Overall, 519 (28.0%) patients were diagnosed with AA: 464 appendectomies and 27 diagnostic laparoscopies were performed. The NA rate was 4.2%. The sensitivity and specificity for TUS and CT are as follows: 71.4% and 96.2%; 93.8% and 93.6%. (4) Conclusion: A conditional CT strategy is effective in reducing NA rates and avoids unnecessary CT in a large proportion of patients. Observation and repeated TUS might be useful in unclear cases.

EP.FRI.479 Clinical accuracy of u/sound combined with inflammatory markers in Acute Appendicitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Gulnaz ◽  
Sadia Tasleem ◽  
Farooq Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Clinical Accuracy ◽  
Negative Appendicectomy ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Traditionally acute appendicitis has been a clinical diagnosis based on patients' history and physical examination, but the accuracy of clinical diagnosis ranges from 70-95%. Pre-operative diagnosis of acute appendicitis still remains an enigmatic challenge, because no single test alone can reduce the rate of negative appendectomy. Hence some authors have recommended a combination of two or more investigations to increase accuracy and therefore the use of imaging is gaining support. The objective of the study was to determine the clinical accuracy of ultrasound, combined with inflammatory markers such as CRP, WBC, and neutrophilia keeping histopathology as the gold standard. Methods The study was conducted in a Tertiary care hospital in Peshawar from September 2014 to March 2015 on 250 patients who were clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis. All these patients underwent u/sound scanning in addition to blood tests. Findings In this study, WBC had the highest sensitivity (77.68%) followed by neutrophil% (69.96%), CRP(67.10%), and U/Sound (62.96%) respectively. While U/Sound had the highest specificity (70.59%) followed by CRP and TLC (64.71% each) and neutrophil% (58.82%) respectively. When all the four tests were combined the sensitivity, specificity, (99.17% and 98.45%) increased significantly. When all four tests were negative, appendicitis could be safely ruled out. Conclusion Acute appendicitis is very unlikely and surgery can be safely deferred in these patients when all tests are negative thereby reducing the negative appendicectomy rates. 

Where have all the appendicectomies gone?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
NG Mowbray ◽  
L Hurt ◽  
A Powell-Chandler ◽  
N Reeves ◽  
S Chandler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
The Public ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Negative Appendicectomy ◽  
American Society ◽  
The Uk

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a national lockdown in the UK. The public were advised to avoid unnecessary hospital attendances and health professionals were advised to avoid aerosol-generating procedures wherever possible. The authors hypothesised that these measures would result in a reduction in the number of patients presenting to hospital with acute appendicitis and alter treatment choices. Methods A multicentred, prospective observational study was undertaken during April 2020 to identify adults treated for acute appendicitis. Searches of operative and radiological records were performed to identify patients treated during April 2018 and April 2019 for comparison. Results A total of 190 patients were treated for acute appendicitis pre-lockdown compared with 64 patients treated during lockdown. Patients treated during the pandemic were more likely to have a higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score (p = 0.049) and to have delayed their presentation to hospital (2 versus 3 days, p = 0.03). During the lockdown, the use of computed tomography (CT) increased from 36.3% to 85.9% (p < 0.001), the use of an antibiotic-only approach increased from 6.2% to 40.6% (p < 0.001) and the rate of laparoscopic appendicectomy reduced from 85.3% to 17.2% (p < 0.001). The negative appendicectomy rate decreased from 21.7% to 7.1% during lockdown (p < 0.001). Conclusions The COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a decreased incidence of acute appendicitis and a significant shift in the management approach. The increased use of CT allows the identification of simple appendicitis for conservative treatment and decreases the negative appendicectomy rate.

Modelled evaluation of multi-component meningococcal vaccine (Bexsero®) for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease in infants and adolescents in the UK

2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (9) ◽  
pp. 2000-2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. HUELS ◽  
K. M. CLEMENTS ◽  
L. J. McGARRY ◽  
G. J. HILL ◽  
J. WASSIL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meningococcal Disease ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Transmission Model ◽  
Meningococcal Vaccine ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Uk

SUMMARYNeisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in the UK, and can potentially be lethal or cause long-term sequelae. Bexsero® (4CMenB) is a new multi-component vaccine approved by the European Commission for use in individuals aged ⩾2 months. A theoretical transmission model was constructed to assess the long-term effectiveness of Bexsero compared to standard care. The model was populated with UK-specific demographic data and calibrated to ensure that the transmission dynamics of meningococcal disease in the UK were adequately simulated. The model showed the best strategy to be a routine vaccination programme at ages 2, 3, 4, 12 months and 14 years combined with a 5-year catch-up programme in toddlers aged 12–24 months and adolescents aged 15–18 years. This would lead to a 94% reduction in meningococcal cases or 150 000 cases and 15 000 deaths over a 100-year time-frame.

Prehospital thrombolysis for STEMI where PPCI delays are unavoidable

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 361-366
Author(s):  
David Lashwood
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Hospital Funding ◽  
Prehospital Thrombolysis ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Patients Experience

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the gold standard for treating patients experiencing ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). More than 30 000 patients experience cardiac arrest out of a hospital setting in the UK every year and may be some distance from a PPCI facility. Aims: To analyse and consider if a better outcome could be achieved for patients if PPCI was an adjunct to thrombolytic therapy, where delays of ≥60 minutes are inevitable or unavoidable. Methods: The current review examined a range of articles, research materials and databases. Results: Some studies suggested the use of prehospital thrombolysis while others compared the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents. While the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of patients experiencing a myocardial infarction is still PPCI, several factors can delay patients from receiving this treatment at an appropriate facility within the recommended time frame. Conclusion: Patients may not be able to access PPCI within 60, 90 or 120 minutes for reasons including increasing urbanisation, population growth and NHS hospital funding cuts. If the PPCI unit is some distance away, ambulance crews could start thrombolysis treatment and transmit clinical findings to a specialist cardiologist in the PPCI facility, or stop at a local hospital that could provide thrombolysis.

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