The plain X-ray in the acute abdomen: a surgeon's evaluation

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Acute abdomen is a common surgical emergency.
• Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating acute abdominal pain.
• Plain abdominal X-rays are a readily available imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic utility of plain abdominal X-rays in acute abdominal conditions.
• To determine the frequency of specific radiological features in acute abdomen.
• To evaluate the impact of radiologist experience on interpretation accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of plain abdominal X-rays from 277 patients with specific acute abdominal conditions.
• Analysis of plain abdominal X-rays from 249 patients admitted with a general acute abdomen.
• A questionnaire-based assessment involving surgeons and radiologists interpreting 50 plain abdominal X-rays.

Main Results:

• Specific radiological features were identified in at least 48% of patients with specific acute abdominal conditions.
• Plain abdominal X-rays were helpful in diagnosing the cause of acute abdomen in 42% of a general patient series.
• Senior radiologists demonstrated higher accuracy in interpreting plain abdominal X-rays compared to those with less experience.

Conclusions:

• Plain abdominal X-rays are a useful investigation in the management of acute abdomen.
• Routine implementation of plain abdominal X-rays, reported by senior radiologists, is suggested.
• This approach may enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care in acute abdominal emergencies.