Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography Compared with Laparoscopy in Acute Right Iliac Fossa Pain: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinical features and ultrasound findings (USG) among male and female patients presenting with RIF pain and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of USG as compared with diagnostic laparoscopy in patients presenting with RIF pain. Study Design: Cross sectional prospective study.Methodology: Data was collected from all male and female patients aged 11-60 years presenting with right lower abdominal pain after taking informed consent. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on patient’s history, physical examination, USG and laparoscopy findings. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated and Chi square test at 5% level of significance was applied. Diagnostic accuracy of USG was calculated as sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios and negative likelihood ratios. Results: A total of 120 patients were included in the study. 62 (51.7%) were females, while remaining 58 (48.3%) patients were males. The most common cause of right lower abdominal pain was acute appendicitis followed by right ovarian cyst and right lower ureteric stone. No statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of USG finding among male and female patients. Sensitivity and specificity of USG in diagnosing appendicitis was 87.27% and 73.85% respectively. Conclusion: Diagnostic Laparoscopy has a definite role in the evaluation of acute as well as chronic pain in right lower abdomen.