[Evaluation of Ohmann and Eskelinen scores, leukocyte count and ultrasonography findings for diagnosis of appendicitis].

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic value of Ohmann and Eskelinen scores, leukocyte count and ultrasonographic (USG) evaluations in acute appendicitis. METHODS This is a retrospective presentation of 186 patients (105 males, 81 females; mean age 29.94+/-12.70; range 6 to 70 years) operated with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis between May 1, 2004 and January 1, 2005. The diagnostic value of Ohmann and Eskelinen scores, leukocyte counts, and USG evaluations and the differences between the sexes were studied. RESULTS According to the evaluation of Ohmann and Eskelinen scores, there were significant differences in positive and negative appendectomy between the total patient population and female patients (p=0.01), but no significant difference was found for men (p=0.341 and p=0.217, respectively). The leukocyte count increase and USG evaluations also demonstrated significant differences between negative and positive appendectomy in female patients (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences in the leukocyte count increase and USG evaluations between positive and negative appendectomy were determined in male patients (p=0.480 and p=0.732, respectively). CONCLUSION Ohmann and Eskelinen scores could be useful in definitive diagnosis of appendicitis especially in primary care units. The leukocyte count increase alone or with the help of USG evaluation could be helpful in the diagnosis of appendicitis especially in females during the reproductive period.