A simple algorithm reduces computed tomography use in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children

Background A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis. Methods Patients ≤...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Surgery 2014-08, Vol.156 (2), p.448-454
Main Authors: Polites, Stephanie F., MD, Mohamed, Mohamed I., MBBS, Habermann, Elizabeth B., PhD, Homme, James L., MD, Anderson, Jana L., MD, Moir, Christopher R., MD, Ishitani, Michael B., MD, Zarroug, Abdalla E., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Algorithms
Appendectomy
Appendicitis - diagnosis
Appendicitis - diagnostic imaging
Appendicitis - surgery
Child
Cohort Studies
Emergency Service, Hospital
False Positive Reactions
Female
Humans
Male
Prospective Studies
Retrospective Studies
Surgery
Tomography, X-Ray Computed - utilization
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Summary:Background A diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children was created to reduce computed tomography (CT) use owing to the risk of cancer from radiation exposure and cost of CT. This study evaluates the impact of the algorithm on CT use and diagnostic accuracy of appendicitis. Methods Patients ≤18 years who underwent appendectomy for suspected appendicitis after presenting to the emergency department for 2 years before and 3 years after algorithm implementation were identified. Clinical characteristics and outcomes, including use of CT and negative appendectomy rate, were compared between the pre- and post-implementation periods. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the impact of CT on negative appendectomy. Results We identified 331 patients—41% in the pre- and 59% in the post-implementation period. CT utilization decreased from 39% to 18% ( P < .001) after implementation. The negative appendectomy rate increased from 9% to 11% ( P = .59). Use of CT did not impact the risk of negative appendectomy ( P = .64). Conclusion Utilization of CT was significantly reduced after implementation of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis without impacting diagnostic accuracy. Given the concern for increased risk of cancer after CT, these results support use of an algorithm in children with suspected appendicitis.
ISSN:0039-6060
1532-7361
DOI:10.1016/j.surg.2014.04.001