Bengezi/Al-Fallouji Predictive Score of Acute Appendicitis The New International Gold Standard...

Bengezi/Al-Fallouji Predictive Score of Acute Appendicitis

The New International Gold Standard

Professor Mohannad Al-Fallouji, PhD (London), FRCS, FRCSI

Director: www.ihams.org

Director: www.qamoosalfordous.wordpress.com

User: Mohannadfallouji Wikipedia

http://www.ihams.org/

http://www.qamoosalfordous.wordpress.com/

http://www.ihams.org/


Acute Appendicitis, an Epidemiological indicator

• AA higher in developed than developing countries. There are 250,000 new cases each year in United States.

• Appendiceal fecalith is commonly associated with AA. Fecal stasis (constipation) plays important role, as demonstrated by lower number of bowel movements per week in patients with AA compared with healthy controls.

• Epidemiologically, it has been stated that diverticular disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, and colonic cancer are rare in communities exempt from AA.

• AA shown to occur antecedent to cancer of colon & rectum.

• Studies confirmed a low fiber intake in pathogenesis of AA.

This histological transverse section through the appendix and labeled magnified view shows diffusely scattered masses of lymphoid tissue throughout the lamina propria (LP). Scattered infiltrates within the submucosa (SM) and to a lesser degree in the muscularis layer suggest immune function. Despite rich lymphoid aggregations within the appendix, no specific function has yet been ascribed to it.



(The Clinical Need)

1. ِAcute Appendicitis is the Commonest Abdominal Emergency, the commonest curable life-threatening condition , and remains the most common cause of abdominal pain and Acute Abdomen.

2. Confusing Diagnosis has led to a risky approach: (When in doubt take it out), subjecting patients to totally unnecessary operations (with M/M) –

for histologically normal appendix.

3. Appendix vermiformis is an integral part of Lymphatic System of Human Body. Appendicectomised patients may be at risk of right colonic carcinoma (anecdotal evidence for disturbed lymphatic balance and immuno-compromise locally).

4. Appendix can be used as catheterisable continent conduit in paediatric faecal incontinence or intractable constipation. Appendix can also be used as a good alternative to ileal conduit diversion ; thus used as a urinary conduit in Mitrofanoff continent cystostomy (catheterisable).

5. One doctor was imprisoned 6 months because of saying: ( المشاهدة تحت الزائدة (اشتباهshowing the danger of muddling Politics in Medical Practice.


Do not insult my Intelligence !?

Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI.


Ultrasound

(Figure above) Sagittal graded compression transabdominal sonogram shows an acutely inflamed appendix. The tubular structure is non-compressible, lacks peristalsis, and measures greater than 6 mm in diameter. A thin rim of peri-appendiceal fluid is present. These features are diagnostic of Acute Appendicitis.

Graded Compression UltraSound: reported sensitivity 94.7% and specificity 88.9%Basis of this technique is that normal bowel and appendix can be compressed, whereas an inflamed appendix can not be compressed.DX: non-compressible > 6mm appendix, appendicolith, and/or peri-appendiceal abscess

Left: Longitudinal ultrasound image of the appendicular abscess (Acute Appendicitis). This image demonstrates a diseased appendix and the infection is seen tracking through the surrounding tissues. Right: This ultrasound image demonstrates the appendix in cross-section; this is the typical “target-like” appearance. A normal appendix is considered to have a diameter of less than 6mm, whereas a fluid filled appendix adds to the diagnosis of appendicitis. A fluid filled appendix will be non-compressible and may have a wall thickness upward to 2 cm has been demonstrated in appendicitis. Notice the fluid within the appendix (center of image) and thick appendicular wall.


Ultrasound

• Diagnostic accuracy range form 71 - 97%. Accurate in staging peri-appendiceal abscesses

Sensitive for detecting normal appendix.

• Safe - Does not use ionizing radiation. Can be used in pregnancy Children and women are primary candidates. Is more often than not inconclusive in adults.

• Highly dependant on sonographer's skill.

• Limitations of US: retro-cecal appendix may not be visualized, perforations may be missed due to return to normal diameter

These two axial CT slices (radiographs A, B above) demonstrates an inflamed fluid filled appendix. The two CT images show an appendicolith blocking the lumen at its junction to the caecum (arrows). There is a significant amount of swelling of the appendix as a result of this blockage due to cyclic changes of edema, ischemia, and bacterial invasion. The appendicoliths, wall enhancement with surrounding infiltrate are consistent with a diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.


Computerised Tomography

Risk of Radiation.

Accuracy of CT relies in part on its ability to reveal a normal appendix.

Results are reproducible from institution to institution.

Diagnostic accuracy is between 93-99% among institutions.

Acute suppurative appendicitis in a 15-year-old boy; contrast-enhanced, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted, spin-echo coronal magnetic resonance image MRI. A markedly enhanced and thickened inflamed appendix (arrows) with peri-caecal enhancement due to the extent of inflammation is shown.

The drawing on the right demonstrates the location of the appendix, meso-appendix, and arterial supply in relation to the large intestine. Appendicular and ileocolic arteries branches supply the appendix from the superior mesenteric artery (arrow). The radiograph on the left is a mesenteric arteriogram that shows the rich arterial supply to the gut.


Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels can be used as biomarkers of increased risk of appendiceal rupture among patients with acute appendicitis according to a cohort study.

MMP-1 was higher in gangrenous (p<0.05) and perforated appendicitis (p<0.01) compared with controls.

MMP-9 was most abundantly expressed in inflamed appendix and reached a tenfold higher expression in all groups with appendicitis compared with controls (p<0.001).

HIAA levels increase significantly in acute appendicitis and decrease when the inflammation shifts to necrosis of the appendix. Therefore, such decrease could be an early warning sign of perforation of the appendix.


Pathophysiology of Clinical Findings

Pathophysiology is the Key to Clinical Diagnosis

Clinical Diagnosis is the key to Scoring System

1. Stage of Obstruction2. Stage of Local Infection (VP)3. Stage of Spread of Infection (PP)4. Stage of Perforation --► Peri-Appendicular Abscess5. Stage of Perforation --► General Peritonitis

Stages of Pathophysiology



1. Stage of Obstruction

Appendicitis is caused by obstruction of appendiceal lumen (fecalith, submucosal hyperplasia, worm, lymph node). Elasticity of appendix wall has limitations, that leads to increased intraluminal pressure. Pressure rise will impede the flow of lymph resulting in oedema. With continuous mucus secretion, further intraluminal pressure increase leads to venous outflow obstruction, more oedema and transmural bacterial growth due to stasis.

Intestinal bacteria within the appendix multiply, leading to the recruitment of WBCs and pus formation, resulting in focal acute appendicitis, due to obstruction.

Since innervation of the appendix enters spinal cord at the same level as the umbilicus, the pain begins stomach-high. Initial luminal distention triggers visceral afferent pain fibers, which enter at 10th thoracic vertebral level.

This pain is generally vague and poorly localized, typically felt in the periumbilical or epigastric area, and associated with visceral pain attributes: anorexia, nausea and vomiting.



Ascaris in the small bowel in a 13 year-old girl with appendicitis.

Fecalith or Appendicolith, main cause of obstruction in Acute Appendicitis.



2. Stage of Local Infection

Transmural invasion of bacteria E. Coli and bacteroids from the lumen to the mucosal layer, submucosa, muscularis layer and serosa into of local inflammation of visceral peritoneum and finally (acute suppurative appendicitis) with local peritonitis into RLQ.

This causes pain in RLQ. Body temperature starts to rise. In 90% of patients WBC >10,000 cells/µL.

However, in infants and elderly patients, a WBC count is especially unreliable because these patients may not mount a normal response to infection.

In pregnant women, the physiologic Leucocytosis renders the CBC count useless for diagnosis of appendicitis.



3. Stage of Spread of Infection

As inflammation continues, the adjacent structures lined by parietal peritoneum become inflamed. This triggers somatic pain fibers, innervating the parietal peritoneal structures; this change in stimulation form visceral to somatic pain fibers explains the classic migration of pain from the periumbilical area to pain localised over several hours settling into RLQ, (except in children under 3 years). The Initial Epigastric/ Periumbilical pain with subsequent shift to RIF is called Kocher's sign.

The pain gets worse with moving, taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing, walking, or being touched. This pain can be elicited through various signs localized in RIF. RLQ tenderness at McBurney's point is the classical sign of Acute Appendicitis (McBurney's sign present in 96% of patients, but nonspecific).

The abdominal wall overlying RLQ becomes very sensitive to gentle pressure (Palpation). Also, there is severe pain on sudden release of deep pressure in the lower abdomen (rebound tenderness: pain on percussion, rigidity are the Most specific finding & represent Positive Blumberg's sign).



Appendicitis (distended pus-filled appendix) with calcified, shadowing appendicolith (arrowhead) near the base of the appendix on ultrasound.

Appendicitis (inflamed distended pus-filled appendix, arrows) with calcified appendicolith (arrowhead) on CT in an adult.



4. Stage of Perforation --► Peri-Appendicular Abscess

Continued intraluminal pressure rise causes Ischemia of the appendiceal wall, resulting in compromise of arterial blood flow, causing gangrene (gangrenous appendicitis). Thrombosis of appendicular artery and veins together with continuing rise of intraluminal pressure rapidly rupture the fragile wall (perforated appendicitis).

As this process continues slowly, it can be localized and walled off by the omentum (policeman) and the adjacent bowel moving toward appendix, thus a peri-appendicular abscess develops. RIF Abscess can turn into chronic fibrosis (appendicular mass) with recurrent appendicitis.



Perforated appendicitis with formation of an abscess (arrows), with appendicolith (arrowhead) within the abscess (CT scan).



5. Stage of Perforation --► General Peritonitis

Alternatively, when the infected appendix bursts, the contents of lower GIT enters abdominal cavity, and infects the entire peritoneal cavity, causing generalized peritonitis (If untreated, can be fatal). When this happens, the patient gets a high fever and the pain may suddenly stop.

As inflammation progresses in later stages, loops of bowels are bathed in pus, resulting in paralytic ileus presenting with Acute Abdomen, with painless abdominal distension and constipation (patient unable to pass gas).

In children, their shorter omentum, longer appendix & thinner wall, coupled with the poor immune system, all facilitate speedy perforation of the appendix. The elderly are predisposed to perforation too, because their poor blood vessels and arterial flow can easily be compromised by obstruction and increased intraluminal pressure within the appendix.



perforated appendicitis causing general peritonitis with small bowel inflammation due to free pus leading to Paralytic Ileus



Perforated appendicitis patient closed with a mesh about 3 months post appendectomy.

A wide open abdominal wound following a perforated appendicitis

covered with a bag


McBurney sign named for American surgeon Charles McBurney (1845–1913). McBurney himself did not locate "his" point in his original article:(The seat of greatest pain, determined by the pressure of one finger, has been very exactly between an inch and a half and two inches from the anterior spinous process of the ilium on a straight line drawn from that process to the umbilicus) —Charles McBurney, "Experience with Early Operative Interference in Cases of Disease of the Vermiform Appendix"; New York Medical Journal, 1889, 50: 676-684 [pg 678].

1. Deep RIF tenderness at McBurney's point, known as McBurney's sign, is a sign of acute appendicitis. The clinical sign of referred pain in the epigastrium when pressure is applied is also known as Aaron’s sign.

2. Specific localization of tenderness to McBurney's point indicates that inflammation is no longer limited to the lumen of the bowel (which localizes pain poorly), and is irritating the lining of Peritoneum at the place where the peritoneum comes into contact with the appendix.

3. Tenderness at McBurney's point suggests the evolution of acute appendicitis to a later stage, and thus, the increased likelihood of rupture. 4. Coughing causes tenderness in this area (McBurney's point).

5. Other abdominal processes can also sometimes cause tenderness at McBurney's point. Thus, this sign is highly useful but neither necessary nor sufficient to make a diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

6. Also, in retrocaecal appendix (appendix behind caecum), which also limits the use of this sign as manycases of appendicitis do not cause point tenderness at McBurney's point.

7. For most open appendicectomies (as opposed to laparoscopic appendectomies), the incision is made at McBurney's point.

Surface projections of the organs of the Trunk, with McBurney's point labeled with a red circle at bottom left at the inferior part of the caecum.


Accessory signs in a minority of patients

Rovsing's sign: RLQ pain experienced when LLQ is palpated. It is not simple palpation of LIF causing pain to be felt in RIF. Nor is it peritoneal irritation that is elicited; instead, Rovsing's original description was an attempt to distend the caecum and appendix by pushing on the left colon in anti-peristaltic direction. Dunphy's sign: sharp pain in RLQ elicited by cough: Suggests localized peritonitis. Obturator sign: RLQ pain with passive internal and external rotation of the flexed right hip; Suggests the inflamed appendix is located deep in the right Hemi-pelvis. Psoas sign or "Obraztsova's sign”: RLQ pain produced with either passive extension of right hip (patient lying on left side, with knee in flexion) or by the patient's active flexion of right hip while supine. The pain elicited is due to inflamed appendix located along the course of the right psoas muscle with extended inflammation to peritoneum overlying iliopsoas muscles and inflammation of the psoas muscles themselves. Straightening out the leg causes pain because it stretches these muscles, while flexing the hip activates the iliopsoas and therefore also causes pain. Massouh sign: Firm swish of examiner’s index and middle finger across the patient’s abdomen from Xiphisternum to first LIF and then RIF. Positive Massouh sign is a grimace of patient upon right sided (and not left) sweep, because initial stage appendicitis usually causes localised irritation of the well-innervated peritoneum. Markle sign: pain elicited in a certain area of the abdomen when the standing patient drops from standing on toes to the heels with a jarring landing: Has a sensitivity of 74%


Aure-Rozanova sign

Increased pain on palpation with finger in right Petit triangle (or inferior lumbar triangle bound by Iliac crest inferiorly, and margins of 2 muscles – Latissimus dorsi posteriorly and External Abdominal Oblique anteriorly, with Internal Abdominal Oblique muscle forming the floor) – typical in retrocecal appendix. Also referred as rebound tenderness. Deep palpation of the viscera over the suspected inflamed appendix followed by sudden release of the pressure causes the severe pain on the site indicating positive Blumberg's sign and peritonitis.


Urine

1. Pregnancy testing especially ectopic pregnancy in childbearing

females.

2. Ruling out urinary tract infection (presence of more than 20 WBC per high-power field

in urine is suggestive of a urinary tract disorder).


Classical Acute Appendicitis

First symptoms of appendicitis: Pain first, vomiting next (visceral associates: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), and fever last (low-grade following other symptoms 37.7 -38.3 ºC (100-101 ºF)) has been described as classic presentation of acute appendicitis

Typical appendicitis usually includes abdominal pain beginning in the region of the umbilicus for several hours, associated with anorexia, nausea or vomiting.

The pain then "settles" into the right lower quadrant (or the left lower quadrant in patients with situs inversus totalis) where tenderness develops.

Combination of pain, anorexia, fever, and leukocytosis is classic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situs_inversus_totalis






Exceptions:Deviations from classic presentation are due to the appendix anatomic variability:

1. In retrocecal appendix (appendix localized behind caecum), even deep pressure in the right lower quadrant may fail to elicit tenderness (silent appendix), because caecum, distended with gas, protects the inflamed appendix from the pressure.

2. Appendix can be high retrocaecal causing the pain to localize to the right loin / flank. See Aure-Rozanova sign.

3. In pregnancy, the appendix can be shifted in latter half of pregnancy; patient can present with pain in RUQ or right flank .

4. In some males, retroileal appendicitis can irritate the ureter and cause testicular pain, frequent and/or painful urination

5. Pelvic appendix may irritate the bladder causing supra-pubic pain, pain with urination. 6. If the appendix lies entirely within the pelvis, there is usually complete absence of

abdominal rigidity, with feeling the need to defecate and diarrhoea. PR digital examination elicits tenderness in the recto-vesical pouch.

7. Male infants and children occasionally present with an inflamed hemiscrotum


Background to Scoring

Differentiation between AA & NSAP

Alvarado Score of AA & Interpretation

Modified Alvarado scoring system

Tzanakis scoring system

Bengezi/Al-Fallouji’s Scoring System & Interpretation


Differentiation of appendicitis vs Non-Specific Abdominal Pain (NSAP)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Clinical feature Appendicitis NSAP ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Sore Throat Absent Present

Site of pain Moves from midline Always in RIF or To RIF diffuse Aggravated by Movement and Neither coughing Nausea, vomiting All present 1 or more absent And anorexia Facial complexion Flushed Normal/pale Tenderness Focal in RIF Shifting tenderness Or more diffuse Rebound and Both present Both absent Guarding Rectal examination Tender on right Tenderness diffuse/absent

Alvarado Score

(Old Confusing Score)M A N T R E L S Scoring Value

SYMPTOMS (3)

Migratory right Iliac Fossa pain

1

Anorexia 1

Nausea/Vomiting 1

SIGNS (3)

Tenderness Right Lower Quadrant

2

Rebound tenderness 1

Elevation of temperature 1

LABORATORY (2)

Leucocytosis 2

Shift to the Left of Neutrophils

1_____________

Total Score 10

MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORE;ACCURACY IN DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS IN ADULTS

(by just deleting: Shift to Left, leaving score of 9 !?)

DR. SYED WARIS ALI SHAH DR. AJMEL MUNIR TARRARDR. CHAUDHRY AHMED KHAN DR. IRTIZA AHMED BHUTTA

DR. SIKANDER ALI MALIK DR. AHMED WAQAS From Rawalpindi

Professional Med J Dec 2010;17(4): 546-550

MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORE;ACCURACY IN DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS IN ADULTS

Disadvantages

Al-Hashemy AM, Seleem MI. Appraisal of the modified Alvarado Score for acute appendicits in adults. Saudi Med J. 2004 Sep;25(9):1229-31.

(From the results, the MASS is not sufficiently sensitive adopted as a method of diagnosing of acute appendicitis in adults in our environment. Further, requirements may be needed to improve its sensitivity and specificity).


Tzanakis scoring system to aid AA diagnosis Nikolaos Tzanakis, M.D., Stamatis Efstathiou, M.D., Kecaris Danulidis, M.D., et al. (A New Approach to Accurate Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis) World J. Surg. 29, 1151–1156 (2005)

It incorporates the presence of four variables made up of specific signs and symptoms: Presence of R. lower abdominal tenderness = 4 points and Rebound tenderness = 3 Laboratory findings (presence of white blood cells greater than12,000 in the blood) = 2 Ultrasound findings (presence of positive ultrasound scan findings of appendicitis) = 6

The maximum score is a total score of 15; where a patient scores 8 or more points, there is greater than 96% chance that acute appendicitis exists.

Alvarado Score

(Old Confusing Score)M A N T R E L S Scoring Value

SYMPTOMS (3)

Migratory right Iliac Fossa pain

1

Anorexia 1

Nausea/Vomiting 1

SIGNS (3)

Tenderness Right Lower Quadrant

2

Rebound tenderness 1


LABORATORY (2)

Leucocytosis 2

Shift to the Left of Neutrophils

1_____________

Total Score 10

Alvarado A. A practical score for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med 1986, 15: 557-564.

Alvarado Score: Interpretation

Vague with No Clear Action Plan

Score 1-3: Acute Appendicitis unlikely; Score 4-6: Acute Appendicitis maybe;Score 7-8: Acute Appendicitis probable; Score 9-10: Acute Appendicitis highly

probable

Surgical Physical Signs, Better Avoided!

1. Homan’s sign. 2. Invagination Test.

3. Rebound Tenderness.

Alvarado A. A practical score for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Ann Emerg Med 1986, 15: 557-

564.

Disadvantages

1. Retrospective study of 305 patients with AA.

2. Actual score relies on 3 symptoms, 3 signs, and

2 laboratory (30% of Diagnosis depends on Investigations).

3. Interpretation of 4 groups, is very confusing .

Correlation with Operative findings more than correlation with Histology.

4. Old-fashioned (Rebound tenderness and shift to left).


Methods: Advantages

1. Prospective study of 345 patients with AA.

2. Actual score relies on 3 symptoms 4 signs and 1 Laboratory thus it is more clinically orientated, thus 80% of Diagnosis depends on Clinical Findings(S+S).

3. Interpretation is based on 3 easy groups with reliable even better (The Best) accuracy and predictive

value in correlation with Histology.

Bengezi / Al-Fallouji Predictive Score of Acute Appendicitis

M A N T R E E L Scoring Value

SYMPTOMS (3)

Migratory pain from epigatrium or umbilical area to Right Iliac Fossa (RIF)

1

Anorexia 1

Nausea/Vomiting 1

SIGNS (4) Tenderness Right Lower Quadrant

2

Rigidity and/or Rebound tenderness RIF

1


Extra sign(s) e.g. Cough test and/or Rovsing’s sign and/orRectal tenderness (on Per Rectal exam)

1

LABORATORY (1)

Leucocytosis 2___________

Total Score 10


Results: Interpretation

Our score was assessed in PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 345 CONSECUTIVEPATIENTS admitted with the diagnosis of AA. The scoring wascorrelated with histopathology reports in 297 operated patients (out of total

345).

Among 45 patients with Score 1-4 : only one patient had resolving AA (98% diagnostic accuracy).

Among 104 patients with Score 5-7: only 61 patients had AA. Among 196 patients with Score 8-10: 190 patients had AA (97% diagnostic accuracy).


Results: Interpretation

Score 1-4: Acute Appendicitis very unlikely; Discharge patient home with Instructions (persistent pain, vomiting, or fever) Score 5-7: Acute Appendicitis probable; Admit for observation and re-scoring 6-8 hourly. Score 8-10: Acute Appendicitis definite; Operate immediately


The Unstable group of Score 5-7

1. Re-scored 6 hourly until switch into score 8 (60%) or switched into score 4 (40% approximately).

2. Persistent score of 7 after 24 hr is better operated on.

3. Thus, by adopting this safe policy, one can obviate 41.35% rate of negative Laparotomy.

4. Policy of (When in doubt, observe and conserve) can now safely replace the old policy

(When in doubt, take it out).

SYMPTOMS (3)


1Anorexia 1

Nausea/Vomiting 1

SIGNS (4) Tenderness Right Lower Quadrant 2


1



1

LABORATORY (1) Leucocytosis 2___________

Total Score 10


Score 1-4: Acute Appendicitis very unlikely; Discharge patient home with Instructions

(persistent pain, vomiting, or fever)

Score 5-7: Acute Appendicitis probable; Admit for observation & re-scoring 6-8 hourly.

Score 8-10: Acute Appendicitis definite; Operate immediately


Conclusions:

Our modified score, based on 3 groups, is:

* Cheap.* Safer Scoring System.* Simpler to fill and computerise (flow sheets are part of Patient’s Case Note).* Easier to read and interpret (by junior surgeons).* More practical in clinical discipline and auditing.* Excellent aid for understanding the underlying Pathophysiology of AA.* Better for Accurate Decision-making.* More reliable than Alvarado score, reaching a Perfection Level.* Rate of unnecessary hospitalization is reduced by 13%.* Logical scoring system



(Original Publications 1997)

1. Al-Fallouji M and Bengezi O : Modified Alvarado Score in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. (May 1997). Annual Meeting of Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Bournmouth, ENGLAND.

2. Bengezi O A and Al-Fallouji M: Modified Alvarado Score in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. British Journal of Surgery May 1997; vol. 84, supplement 1: 30.

3. O. Bengezi and M. Al-Fallouji. In Postgraduate Surgery, The Candidate's Guide. By M. Al-Fallouji, 2nd Ed. Oxford: Butterworth- Heinemann; 1998. Pages 388-9.

4. Salam IM, Al-Fallouji MA, El Ashaal, et al: Early patient discharge following appendicectomy: safety and feasibility. Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Oct 1995; 40(5): 300-302



(Confirming Publications 2000-2009)

Our Modified Alvarado Score is now the World's Gold Standard, confirmed objectively andvalidated independently by surgeons world-wide:

1. ACUTE APPENDICITIS: AN OVERVIEW. H.S. Saidi, BSc. (Anat), MBChB and J.A. Adwok, MMed (Surg), FRCSEd, Professor, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya East African Medical Journal Vol. 77 No. 3 March 2000

2. Fente, B.G. Echem, R.C. Prospective Evaluation of The Bengezi and Al-Fallouji Modified Alvarado Score for Presumptive Accurate Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in University Of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. Niger J Med. 2009 Oct-Dec;18(4):398-401. CONCLUSION: The Bengezi and Al-Fallouji modified Alvarado score is a simple, safe and cost effective aid in diagnosis of acute appendicitis and decreases NAR. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3. MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORING SYSTEM IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS Talukder DB, Siddiq AKMZ. JAFMC (June) 2009; Vol 5, No 1:18-20

4. Fast-track Packages in Colorectal Surgery: An Examination and Development of the Evidence Supporting Their Use. A thesis submitted for the degree of DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (M.D.) by Catherine Jane Walter at The University of Hull. 2008

5. Haider Kamran, Danish Naveed, Shawana Asad, Muhammad Hameed, Umar Khan. EVALUATION OF MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORE FOR FREQUENCY OF NEGATIVE APPENDICECTOMIES . J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2010;22(4)


Interactive Clinical Scenarios

Case studies:

Teach you Theory in decision-making, Polish your Proper Clinical Practice, Consolidate Safety in your Experience, Widen your Horizons in Life & They are also Great Fun to do.


1. A Case Study

A 15 year-old girl felt unwell and presented with lower abdominal pain from start; and without anorexia. On examination: temperature 37.5 ْC, abdomen was soft, and there was no localized tenderness and no muscle rigidity. No pain on coughing or movement. FBC revealed normal range leucocytes count. The surgeon discharged patient home with instructions. The girl’s mother was very keen on appendicectomy to be performed for herdaughter. She took her girl elsewhere where the hospital performedappendicectomy on her daughter. The Mother lodged a formal complaint against the surgeon of First Hospital.

Discuss the Management indicating B/A score when First seen by surgeon?Was the surgeon right in discharging her and Why? What do you think about 2nd Hospital Appendicectomy? What is your expectation about the histology of removed appendix?


1. Answer

BA score = 2

1st Surgeon was absolutely right in discharging patient with instructions.

2nd Hospital Surgeon was wrong in doing totally unnecessary Appendicectomy, following an old principle (when in doubt take it out).

Histology of removed appendix was NORMAL.


2. A Case Study

A 89 year-old Man presented with migratory abdominal pain which started initially in epigastric area and settled later in RLQ. Pain started 3 days prior to consultation. Pain was followed by anorexia and vomiting. On Examination, patient was febrile. There was tender well-defined mass in the RIF with minimal overlying muscle rigidity . Cough test was still positive. Patient’s blood test reveals WBC count of 18000 cell/µL.

Discuss the Management indicating B/A score? What do you recommend for him NOW, and in the NEAR and FAR FUTURE, discussing all eventualities in detail?


2. Answer

BA score = 10

This is inflamed perforated appendicular abscess walled off by omentum and bowel loops of 3 days duration. It is risky to operate now so treat with antibiotics and put on W/L for interval appendicectomy after 3 months. Meanwhile, prepare patient in view of old age for enema or colonoscopy later when inflammation settled to exclude carcinoma of caecum.

If patient fails to improve on antibiotics (amount of pus greater than antibiotic ability to deal with) then drain abscess by percutaneous peritoneal drainage under imaging (by interventional radiologist). If that is not available then do surgical drainage with possible removal of appendix in one session. If too much inflammation, then risky to remove appendix, so drain and close under antibiotic cover and do interval appendicectomy 3 months later.

If carcinoma of caecum was detected, then right hemi-colectomy.


3. A Case Study

A 26 year-old female presented with RIF abdominal pain associated with anorexia and nausea. Low grade fever, Tender RLQ on deep palpation. No muscle rigidity and cough test was negative. WBC count was 10000 cells/µL with Neutrophilia. Discuss management and B/A score, What is the incision performed? And Why? If the appendix is normal during operation, Discuss the various options you take?


3. Answer

BA score = 8

Lower midline incision, because of bilateral suprapubic tattoos.

Remove appendix even if normal looking. Mickel’s diverticulum was inflamed in this case, so remove it with wedge excision of its base or do excision of Mickel’s divericulum- bearing segment with end-to-end small bowel anastomosis. Examine caecum for diverticulum or carcinoma, terminal ileum for Crohn’s disease, and tubo-ovarian appendices.


4. A Case Study

A 35 year-old Man presented with migratory abdominal epigastric pain settling ultimately in RLQ. Pain started 12 hours prior to consultation. Pain was followed by anorexia and nausea.

On Examination, patient was afebrile. There was mild tenderness with minimal overlying muscle rigidity . Cough test was positive. Patient’s blood test reveals WBC count of 9000 cell/µL. About 3 hr following admission, patient developed low grade fever.

At surgery, ballooned cystic lesion filled with fluid measuring 2.5 cm in diameter representing a non-inflamed but obstructed appendix by a nodular lesion within the base of appendix.

Discuss the Management indicating final B/A score? What is the nature of fluid?What is the single most important precaution you should take when operating. What is the consequence? How do you plan future treatment?


4. Answer

BA score was 7 on admission but final BA score = 8

Mucinous cystadenoma. Careful removal for fear of rupture and pseudo-myxoma peritonii.

Treatment (in special centres) with extensive peritonectomy with radical omentectomy and inside gastro-epiploic arcades, with extensive stripping of visceral and parietal peritoneum using diathermy dissection and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.


5. A Case Study

A 29 year-old Man presented with migratory abdominal pain settling in RLQ of one day duration. Pain was followed by anorexia and nausea.

On Examination, patient was febrile. There was RLQ tenderness with no muscle rigidity. Positive Rovsing’s sign & Cough test. Patient’s blood test reveals WBC count of 11000 cell/µL. At operation, double pathology in the appendix: acute appendicitis with another obstructing solid nodular lesion less than 2 cm in diameter close to appendicular base but well clear of the base at 2 cm distal to the ileo-caecal junction.

Discuss the Management indicating B/A score? Explain the findings and discuss your plan of treatment?


5. Answer

BA score = 9

Carcinoid tumour

Appendicectomy will suffice for tumour less than 2 cm in diameter and well clear off the base or distal to ileo-caecal junction. Otherwise, right hemicolectomy if the tumour is more than 2 cm in diameter or if involving the base or ileo-caecal junction.


6. A Case Study

A 23 year-old female presented with migratory pain, anorexia and vomiting. On Examination, findings of temperature of 38 ºC, McBurney sign, +ve Blumberg sign, and Rovsing sign . Blood testing reveals WBC count of 12000 cell/µL. After suprapubic shaving, there was a Tattoo: 4 u David only (instead of butterflies). Discuss your management indicating B/A score, and your incision in view of her tattoo?


6. Answer

BA score = 10

Appendicectomy via higher transverse skin crease incision, because of high tattoo in RIF.

Story of 4u David only (Postoperative, it was Richard !)

and in OPD it was John !! (multiple boyfriends)!!!


7. A Case Study

A 25 year-old-female was unwell and presented with Atypical upper and lower abdominal pain without anorexia. O/E Pale patient. Abdomen was soft but palpation was uncomfortable suprapubically. Contrast-enhanced axial CT scan at the level of the upper abdomen showing a heterogeneous hypervascular mass at the hilum of the spleen (arrows). What is B/A score and Is it applicable here? What operative findings do you expect in this patient? Discuss your management , indicating the type of incision you have to do. Mention One most important preoperative test needed here?


7. Answer

BA score is NOT applicable because the pain never settled in RLQ or RIF.

Urine examination for pregnancy test.

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy on the spleen.

Story of Splenic Pregnancy.

SYMPTOMS (3)


1Anorexia 1

Nausea/Vomiting 1

SIGNS (4) Tenderness Right Lower Quadrant 2


1



1

LABORATORY (1) Leucocytosis 2___________

Total Score 10


Score 1-4: Acute Appendicitis very unlikely; Discharge patient home with Instructions

(persistent pain, vomiting, or fever)

Score 5-7: Acute Appendicitis probable; Admit for observation & re-scoring 6-8 hourly.

Score 8-10: Acute Appendicitis definite; Operate immediately



(References)

1. Al-Fallouji M and Bengezi O : Modified Alvarado Score in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. (May 1997). Annual Meeting of Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Bournmouth, ENGLAND.

2. Bengezi O A and Al-Fallouji M: Modified Alvarado Score in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis. Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. British Journal of Surgery May 1997; vol. 84, supplement 1: 30.

3. O. Bengezi and M. Al-Fallouji. In Postgraduate Surgery, The Candidate's Guide. By M. Al-Fallouji, 2nd Ed. Oxford: Butterworth- Heinemann; 1998. Pages 388-9.

4. Salam IM, Al-Fallouji MA, El Ashaal, et al: Early patient discharge following appendicectomy: safety and feasibility. Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Oct 1995; 40(5): 300-302

5. ACUTE APPENDICITIS: AN OVERVIEW. H.S. Saidi, BSc. (Anat), MBChB and J.A. Adwok, MMed (Surg), FRCSEd, Professor, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676, Nairobi, Kenya East African Medical Journal Vol. 77 No. 3 March 2000

6. Fente, B.G. Echem, R.C. Prospective Evaluation of The Bengezi and Al-Fallouji Modified Alvarado Score for Presumptive Accurate Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in University Of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt. Niger J Med. 2009 Oct-Dec;18(4):398-401. CONCLUSION: The Bengezi and Al-Fallouji modified Alvarado score is a simple, safe and cost effective aid in diagnosis of acute appendicitis and decreases NAR. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7. MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORING SYSTEM IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS Talukder DB, Siddiq AKMZ. JAFMC (June) 2009; Vol 5, No 1:18-20

8. Fast-track Packages in Colorectal Surgery: An Examination and Development of the Evidence Supporting Their Use. A thesis submitted for the degree of DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (M.D.) by Catherine Jane Walter at The University of Hull. 2008

9. Haider Kamran, Danish Naveed, Shawana Asad, Muhammad Hameed, Umar Khan. EVALUATION OF MODIFIED ALVARADO SCORE FOR FREQUENCY OF NEGATIVE APPENDICECTOMIES . J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2010;22(4)

Bengezi/Al-Fallouji Predictive Score of Acute Appendicitis The New International Gold Standard...

Documents

Transcript of Bengezi/Al-Fallouji Predictive Score of Acute Appendicitis The New International Gold Standard...