Study of the combination of Alvarado score and Ultrasonography in diagnosing acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with a lifetime risk of about 6 - 7%. Appendicectomy is the treatment of choice. A delay in the diagnosis and management can lead to complications such as appendicular rupture, abscess and peritonitis. In the current era of evidence based medicine, negative appendicectomies are not acceptable. The Alvarado score is in use since a long time for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ultrasound is the first line investigation used in case of suspected acute appendicitis. Various studies have shown that Alvarado score or Ultrasonography individually, is insufficient diagnostic tools. Some studies have shown that their diagnostic efficacy is increased when used in combination with one another. This prospective comparative study carried out in 100 patients with a clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis proves that the combination of Alvarado score and Ultrasonography is a better diagnostic tool, compared to either of the two, alone.