Diagnostic role of ultrasonography for diagnosis of acute abdomen

Introduction: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of sonography in the evaluation of acute abdomen, given that it involves no ionizing radiation and excels in the depiction of acute gynaecologic conditions in young women, and during pregnancy.Clinical diagnosis is based primarily on symptoms and physical findings, but is often difficult to establish; up to 50% of patients hospitalized for possible appendicitis do not actually have this disorder Authors of large prospective studies report a 22-30% removal rate of normal appendices at surgery.Ultrasonography has established itself as an invaluable tool in surgery.In surgical practice, abdominal pain is perhaps the most common symptom encountered and almost in every case of abdominal pain surgeon prefers to use the ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.Although physical examination of the patient is the most important part in proper diagnosis many a time some positive help is required in the form of investigations especially ultrasonography.Methods: This was a study of hundred patients carried out at a tertiary care hospital admitted with complaints of severe abdominal pain except those with a history of trauma or with a history of chronic abdominal pain.Clinical history, physical examination, ultrasonography, per operative findings and histopathological examination were used to come to a final conclusion.Result: In this study ultrasonography was diagnostic in 78% of patients.Two patients were misdiagnosed and in 20 patients other investigations were required for the confirmation of diagnosis.The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound in diagnosing acute appendicitis, renal calculus, liver abscess, mesenteric lymphadenitis, acute pancreatitis and ovarian cyst was 100% and in calculus cholecystitis it was 93.75% and 100% respectively.Conclusion: Ultrasonography is superior in organ system imaging.It helps in showing organ specific lesions and its accurate measurement which is helpful in follow up and response to treatment.Ultrasonography is also helpful in diagnosing alternative disease and to reduce negative laparotomy rate.