Reduced Computed Tomography for Appendicitis in Children after Implementation of Next-day Surgery Clinic Follow-up

Abstract

Variability in diagnostic approach motivated several studies implementing pediatric appendicitis scoring systems to risk-stratify patients. These studies emphasize the selective use of US, resulting in reduced CT utilization. 2,[10][11][12][13] Recent studies have successfully reduced CT rates in children evaluated for suspected appendicitis with diagnostic protocols within single institutions 10,11 and in regional care systems of community hospitals. 12