NEGATIVE APPENDECTOMIES ARE MORE COMMON IN FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP

Objective: To compare the negative appendectomy in the females of reproductive and non-reproductive age groups. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan, from January 2018 to December 2019. Methodology: A total of 1126 appendectomy specimens were enrolled irrespective of age and gender. The biodata of patients was retrieved from the database. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Out of total 1126 reported cases, 787 (69.9%) were males and 339 (30.1%) were females. The mean age was calculated to be 24.43 ± 12.42 years ranging from 2-94 years. Histopathological examination revealed cases of acute appendicitis 374 (33.2%), acute appendicitis with peri-appendicitis 478 (42.5%), fibrous obliteration 28 (2.5%) and parasitic infestation 7 (0.6%). Overall negative appendectomies were 219 (19.4%) and were prominent in females 100 (29.5%) than males 119 (15.1%). Also it was higher in females of reproductive age group 77 (30.4%) than in non-reproductive age group 23 (27.9%). Conclusion: In our study negative appendectomy in females of reproductive age groups was found to be higher than expected. Clinical scoring systems, biochemical markers, imaging modalities, and second opinion from other specialties like internal medicine, gynae and obstetric have been introduced to substantiate the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and thereby decreases the negative appendectomy.

A Comparison between the Diagnostic Accuracy of Alvarado and Tzanaki Scoring Systems in Acute Appendicitis

Aim: To find out how accurate the Alvarado and Tzanaki scoring systems are in diagnosing acute appendicitis taking histopathology as gold standard. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from August 2019 to July 2020 at Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad. Sixty patients were included, all of whom had appendectomies after a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Samples were submitted for histopathology, which was used as the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), diagnostic accuracy and negative appendectomy rate of Alvarado and Tzanaki scoring systems was calculated using SPSS version 23. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of Alvarado score at optimal cut-off threshold of ≥7.0, were calculated as 74%, 55%, 90%, 27% and 71.66% respectively. The cut-off threshold point of Tzanaki score was set at more than 8, which yielded a 94.11% sensitivity and an 88.88% specificity. The positive predictive value was 99.95% and the negative predictive value was 72.72%. The Alvarado and Tzanaki scoring systems had negative appendectomy rates of 9.5% and 2.04%, respectively. Conclusion: The Tzanaki scoring system has a better diagnostic accuracy for acute appendicitis as compared to the Alvarado score. Keywords: Acute appendicitis, Alvarado score, Tzanaki score

RIPASA versus Alvarado score in the assessment of suspected appendicitis in children: a prospective study

Background Diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains a problem in children with right lower quadrant pain. Challenging diagnosis and fears of missing an inflamed appendix may lead to a negative appendectomy. Many scoring systems have been developed to reduce ambiguities in the diagnosis of appendicitis. Alvarado is one of the most commonly used scoring methods in pediatric patients. The RIPASA score is considered to be a better diagnostic scoring method in adults compared to Alvarado. The present study aims to compare RIPASA and Alvarado scoring systems in determining the possibility of acute appendicitis in children with right lower quadrant pain. This study included 179 consecutive pediatric patients who were referred to pediatric surgery with suspicion of acute appendicitis. The cut-off value was >7.5 for the RIPASA score vs. ≥7 for the Alvarado score. The possibility of appendicitis was divided into three groups for the Alvarado score and four groups for the RIPASA score. Results In this study, 158 of 179 patients were operated on. In 140 of the operated patients, the diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed by histopathology. The negative appendectomy rate was 11.4%. Specificity and negative predictive value of RIPASA score were higher than those of Alvarado (p<0.001). No difference was found between the two scores concerning sensitivity, positive predictive value, and the area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (p>0.05). Conclusion The RIPASA scoring system can be used as an alternative to the Alvarado scoring system in the management of patients with right lower quadrant pain in emergency services and pediatric outpatient clinics. With the use of the RIPASA score, more patients with a low likelihood of appendicitis can be detected and further contributed to the reduction of the negative appendectomy rate.

EP.FRI.96 Negative appendectomy rate in young females, between theory and practice. Full audit cycle

Aims Females of child bearing age are at higher risk of negative appendectomy rate, the accepted overall NAR is up to (20-25%). Presented is our study to examine the real NAR in the female’s cohort aged (15-45 years) in the form of quality improvement project to improve patient’s outcome. Methodology Retrospective study in the form of Full audit cycle over 18 months, the first cycle was conducted over 12 months period, followed by the action plan and reassessment over 6 months. Preoperative clinical, laboratory, radiographic and histopathological data were collected. Results Over the whole audit period 632 cases were analysed, 238 cases were females in the child bearing age included in our cohort. Over the first phase 419 appendectomy cases were performed, among those 156(37%) were females in child bearing age. Overall NAR was 29% and in our females cohort was 43.5%. Over the second cycle, 213 cases performed, out of which 82(38%) cases included in our cohort. Overall NAR reduced to 25% and in our cohort was 37% Conclusions Despite the advances in diagnostic modalities, Females are at significantly higher risk of NAR 37%. Our overall NAR reduced from 29% to 25% compared to the young females cohort, the rate dropped from 43% to 37%. specific consideration and regular auditing of results regards this cohort are highly recommended. Validation of appendicitis scores for risk stratification, Serial examinations and radiological adjuncts are possible solutions to reduce the NAR among this group.

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

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.

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

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.

EP.FRI.580 Negative appendectomy rates at a district regional hospital

Aim Emergency appendectomy is one of the most common emergency procedures done. Negative appendectomy rates vary and the aim was to identify the rate of it at a DGH. Method Appendectomy cases at a small regional hospital were during a 2-year period (2017-2018) were included. Elective and interval appendectomies were excluded. Histopathology findings were noted. Results 78 patient had an emergency appendectomy, of which 87% (n = 68) had it done laparoscopically. Normal appendix on pathology was found in 13.8% (n = 12) of the removed appendices. They were all removed laprascopically. The majority were females (n = 11) compared to males (n = 1). 58% of the normal appendix (n = 7) were identified as a macroscopically normal appendix. 36% of the females were mid-cycle (n = 4). The mean WBC on admission was 9.5 (4.8-13.6 x109/L) . All of the females had a transabdominal USS as initial investigation but was inconclusive. Conclusion Negative appendectomy rates are still high in female patients, whether doing further scans such as TVUSS or CTAP might reduce the risks of getting a negative appendectomy, needs to be discussed and tailored to each case, as the majority are young patients in the reproductive age group.

Clinical Significance of Variable Histomorphologic Findings Related to Mucosal Inflammation in Negative Appendectomy

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of various histomorphologic findings related to mucosal inflammation in negative appendectomy. We reviewed histopathologic findings of 118 negative appendectomies and correlated them with the appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score and appendiceal diameter. Among 118 patients with negative appendectomy, 94 (80%), 73 (78%) and 89 (75%) patients displayed mucosal inflammation, high neutrophil score (neutrophil count ≥10/5 high power field and surface epithelial flattening, respectively. Out of 118 patients with negative appendectomy, mucosal inflammation, high neutrophil score and surface epithelial flattening were associated with higher risk group according to the appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score (p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, mucosal inflammation, high neutrophil score and surface epithelial flattening were frequently detected in 118 negative appendectomies, compared with 24 incidental appendectomies (p < 0.05, respectively). In an analysis of 77 negative appendectomy patients with appendiceal diameter data available, increased appendiceal diameter was positively correlated with luminal inflammation, high neutrophil score and surface epithelial flattening (p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, mucosal inflammation, high neutrophil score and surface epithelial flattening in negative appendectomy may be relevant to patients’ signs and symptoms, especially in cases with no other cause of the abdominal pain.

699 Does Pre-Operative Imaging Improve Negative Appendicectomy Rate?

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.

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

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.