Efficacy of the Alvarado scale in patients with a diagnosis of acute apendicitis at the General Surgery Unit at Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the Alvarado score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients at the General Surgery Unit at Ciudad de Este Hospital Regional, Paraguay. Materials and methods: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The past medical histories of patients with preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis were included in the study, the Alvarado score was applied, and the score was associated with its subsequent macroscopic postoperative finding. Patients were operated on at the General Surgery Unit of the HR-CDE from January 2020 through September 2020. Results: a total 100 patients were included; 61% of whom were men. The Alvarado score was applied, and they were categorized into 4 groups, low risk (16%), possible risk (23%), probable risk (39%), and high risk (22%). According to the macroscopic postoperative finding they were categorized into congestive (14%), phlegmonous (42%), gangrenous (35%), and perforated appendicitis (8%). An 86% sensitivity rate, and a 29% specificity rate were obtained for this study. Conclusion: the Alvarado score is a simple tool, easy to apply, and a useful support in the diagnosis of this condition.