EP.FRI.96 Negative appendectomy rate in young females, between theory and practice. Full audit cycle

Abstract

Aims Females of child bearing age are at higher risk of negative appendectomy rate, the accepted overall NAR is up to (20-25%). Presented is our study to examine the real NAR in the female’s cohort aged (15-45 years) in the form of quality improvement project to improve patient’s outcome. Methodology Retrospective study in the form of Full audit cycle over 18 months, the first cycle was conducted over 12 months period, followed by the action plan and reassessment over 6 months. Preoperative clinical, laboratory, radiographic and histopathological data were collected. Results Over the whole audit period 632 cases were analysed, 238 cases were females in the child bearing age included in our cohort. Over the first phase 419 appendectomy cases were performed, among those 156(37%) were females in child bearing age. Overall NAR was 29% and in our females cohort was 43.5%. Over the second cycle, 213 cases performed, out of which 82(38%) cases included in our cohort. Overall NAR reduced to 25% and in our cohort was 37% Conclusions Despite the advances in diagnostic modalities, Females are at significantly higher risk of NAR 37%. Our overall NAR reduced from 29% to 25% compared to the young females cohort, the rate dropped from 43% to 37%. specific consideration and regular auditing of results regards this cohort are highly recommended. Validation of appendicitis scores for risk stratification, Serial examinations and radiological adjuncts are possible solutions to reduce the NAR among this group.