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  • Title: Ultrasound scans done by surgeons for patients with acute abdominal pain: a prospective study.
    Author: Allemann F, Cassina P, Röthlin M, Largiadèr F.
    Journal: Eur J Surg; 1999 Oct; 165(10):966-70. PubMed ID: 10574106.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the routine use of abdominal ultrasonography (US) in patients admitted to the surgical emergency unit with acute abdominal pain. DESIGN: Prospective study with a three-step evaluation of patients over a 12-month period. SETTING: University hospital, Switzerland. SUBJECTS: 496 patients (male/female = 234/262; mean age 45 years) who presented with acute abdominal pain. INTERVENTIONS: Every patient underwent routine investigations and had an abdominal US by the attending surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical diagnosis, post-ultrasonography diagnosis and final diagnosis. RESULTS: US improved the correct diagnostic rate from 348 (70%) to 414 (83%). The diagnostic accuracy for acute appendicitis and biliary tract disease improved after US from 455 (92%) to 488 (98%) and from 463 (93%) to 490 (99%), respectively; the corresponding sensitivities and specificities were 91% and 99% and 94% and 99%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography should be part of routine surgical investigation and should be mastered and used by surgeons.
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