Diagnostic value of Plain Abdominal Radiograph, Ultrasonography and Clinical impression of the surgeon in acute peritonitis

Background: Exact pre-operative diagnosis of peritonitis remains challenging despite proper history taking and clinical examination, as well as advancement in new imaging techniques. The objective of this study was to highlight the diagnostic value of radiological investigations and clinical impression of the surgeon in acute peritonitis. Methods: We enrolled 50 patients with clinical features suggestive of acute peritonitis, which required surgery, were included. Evaluation of patients was done by detailed history, clinical examination, plain abdominal radiography, ultrasonography examination and final diagnosis on surgery after stabilizing the patient. Pre-operative diagnosis based on history, clinical examination and radiological investigations was compared with the operative diagnosis based on the operative findings. Results: The age of these patients varied from 5 years to 73 years with the mean age of 40.7 years. The commonest cause of acute peritonitis was perforated duodenal ulcer. Based upon history and examination accurate diagnosis of acute peritonitis with its underlying cause could be made in 94% of patients. Accurate diagnosis of perforated duodenal ulcer peritonitis could be made in 92.59% of cases based on history and clinical findings. Clinically acute appendicitis and perforated appendix was diagnosed with the clinical accuracy of 91.66%. On plain abdominal X-ray in standing position free gas under the right dome of the diaphragm was seen in 64% of the cases. The left lateral decubitus X-ray revealed free gas in peritoneal cavity in 70% cases. In our study with the help of ultrasonography of the abdomen we were able to diagnose 85.71% cases of acute appendicitis and 75% of perforated appendix. Free fluid in the peritoneal cavity on ultrasound of the abdomen was present in 70% of patients. Conclusion: In majority of cases of acute peritonitis, clinical impression of the surgeon plays a vital role in reaching the diagnosis if detailed history and meticulous clinical examination is carried out. However detailed history and meticulous clinical examination and radiological investigations may not be a foolproof diagnostic in all cases of peritonitis and the particular issue is settled on laparotomy.