Tzanakis score vs. Alvarado score in acute appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention reduces mortality and morbidity. This study compared the efficacy of Tzanakis and Alvarado score in diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

METHODS

A prospective, non randomized study was conducted in 100 consecutive patients who had undergone emergency appendectomy from May 2008 to October 2008. Tzanakis and Alvarado scores were obtained at the time of admission. Final diagnosis of acute appendicitis was based on histological findings.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy of Tzanakis score was 91.48% and 66.66% and 90% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy of Alvarado score was 81.91% and 66.66% and 81% respectively. Negative appendectomy rate was 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Tzanakis score is an effective modality to establish the accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis.