Application of modified Alvardo score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our setup

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of the Modified Alvarado score in predicting appendicitis for patients with right iliac fossa pain admitted in our hospital. This is a prospective study of patients Admitted with suspected appendicitis. This study was conducted at Surgical Unit V Civil Hospital Karachi over one year period front Jan. 2003 to Jan 2004. For every patient suspected of appendicitis the Modified Alvarado score was computed on admission, as laboratory facility for shift of Neutrophils to left was not available. The Modified Alvarado score was recorded on the admission sheet and did not effect the management of the patients. The patients discharged without surgery were reviewed in the out patients clinic to ascertain that they did not need surgery. Sixty two patients underwent appendicectomy. Out of these, 30 patients [48.38%] has a Alvarado score 1-4, 10 patients [16.12%] had a Alvarado score 5-6, 18 patients [29.03%] had a Alvarado score 7-8 and only 2. Patients [3.22%] had a maximum Alvarado score 9, where appendix was found perforated and gangrenous on operative findings. The Alvarado score was not found to be a useful complementary method in the diagnosis of suspected case of acute appendicitis patients in Department of Surgery CHK