Editorial

Do All Patients with Suspected Appendicitis Benefit from CT Imaging in Community-based Emergency Departments?

Authors: Joseph J. Naoum, MD, FACS

Abstract

The classic presentation of acute appendicitis involves the orchestrated complaint of vague periumbilical pain that localizes to the right lower quadrant and is accompanied by anorexia, nausea and emesis. However, this classic presentation is not usually the rule and approximately 15 to 21% of all appendectomies performed are unnecessary. The diagnosis has been particularly difficult in young children, elderly patients, and especially in women of childbearing age. In the latter, the negative appendectomy rate can be as high as 40 to 47%.

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