Computed Tomography Beneficial For Appendicitis Diagnosis

When computed tomography (CT) is used to diagnose appendicitis, hospitals benefit from improved management practices and better outcomes for children with appendicitis. Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital studied 609 patients with possible appendicitis. The use of CT reduced cost, length of hospital stay, the rate of missed appendicitis, and the number of negative laporotomies.The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in New Orleans, May 1-5. For interviews during the meeting, contact the press room at (504) 670-8502 or 670-8508.Researchers’ Institutional Contact: Office of Public Affairs (617) 355-6420