The optimal initial management of children with suspected appendicitis: A decision analysis

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2004

Journal

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

Volume

39

Issue

6

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2004.02.036

Keywords

Appendicitis; computed tomography; cost-effectiveness analysis; decision analysis; hospital charges; length of stay; ultrasonography

Abstract

Background/purpose As abdominal imaging has improved, the use of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US) for evaluating children with suspected appendicitis has increased. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal management strategy for evaluating children with suspected appendicitis given the current accuracy of abdominal imaging. Methods Decision analysis was used to evaluate 5 management strategies: discharge, observation, CT, US, and appendectomy. Probabilities and time variables were obtained from publications and a chart review. Each approach was evaluated for its impact on length of stay, hospital charges, cost effectiveness and its capacity to minimize perforation and avoid negative appendectomy (risk-benefit). Results Discharge was preferred when the probability of appendicitis was low (<0.09 to <0.47), imaging when in an intermediate range and surgery when high (>0.61 to >0.91). A role for observation was found only when the anticipated time of inpatient observation was brief (<9 hours). Although CT was more expensive than US, CT was more cost effective for preventing negative appendectomy and perforation and achieved a better risk-benefit. Conclusions CT has an important role in the management of suspected appendicitis. Among children with a low or high likelihood of appendicitis, the cost of imaging tests required to prevent the complications of appendicitis is high. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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