Practicality of modified Alvarado score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the practicality of Modified Alvarado Scoring System [MASS] in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in our set up. Prospective, quasi-experimental study from July 2005 to December 2005. Surgical Unit II, Rawalpindi General Hospital, Rawalpindi. All patients, aged 15 years or above, who were operated for Acute Appendicitis during the study period. All patients were evaluated using the Modified Alvarado Score [MAS] once decision of surgery has been made by a consultant surgeon. The MAS was correlated with the operative and histopathological findings. Out of the total 82 patients, 49 were male [60%] and 33 female [40%]. Their age range was from 15 to 60 years with peak incidence in the 2nd and 3rd decade of life. The overall sensitivity of MAS was 89%. There were 4% negative appendicectomies with MAS between 6-9, 12% with MAS between 4-5 and 50% where MAS was < 4. MASS cannot be fully relied upon to make the decision to operate in acute appendicitis, and that the decision remains clinical