Alvarado score and computerized tomography scan as impact indicator in intervening negative appendectomy rate

Background: The objective of this study is to study the impact of combined use of Alvarado score and computed tomography (CT) scan on negative appendectomy rate.Methods: This prospective observational study comprising of patients presenting with clinical features of appendicitis admitted to department of general surgery, VIMSAR, Burla from November 2017 to October 2019, where Alvarado score and ultrasonography (USG) findings are mismatching each other. Alvarado scores calculated and categorized in 2 groups as negative (score <4) and positive (score ≥4). These patients were also subjected to USG and categorized as negative (USG -ve) and positive (USG +ve). Those patients having discrepancy in both the findings were subjected to CT scan. On histopathological examination, inflamed appendix in 63 (97%) patients and non-inflamed in 2 (3%). Rest patients were either discharged (both -ve) or operated (both +ve). Results: Total 84 patients showed discrepancy between Alvarado score and USG findings and are subjected to CT scan abdomen and pelvis. CT scan was positive for appendicitis in 65 cases (where appendectomy done) and negative for appendicitis in 19 cases (where the diagnosis is different). patient. Thus, negative appendectomy (NAR) is 3% in this study.Conclusions: Alvarado score and ultrasonography could not be used as absolute tool in doubtful and equivocal cases, where combined use of CT scan with Alvarado score and USG has definitely has an edge by diagnosing the differentials and reducing NAR followed by reduction in cost and length of hospital stay.

Cardiac surgery at high altitude.

Eleven children between 4 and 17 years of age underwent ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus during two medical camps in September 2003 and August 2004 at the Sonam Norboo Memorial District Hospital at Leh, Ladakh (11,400 feet above mean sea level). These children had a low mean arterial oxygen saturation while breathing room air. They were all acclimatized to high altitude. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Patients were extubated on the table. All children survived the operation and were discharged within 5-6 days following surgery. No surgical or anaesthetic complications were encountered. Simple cardiac surgical procedures such as ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus can be performed safely at high altitudes.