Diagnostic accuracy of surgeon performed ultrasound (SPU) for appendicitis in children

Prospective study of 65 children at an Australian tertiary pediatric hospital found surgeon-performed ultrasound (SPU) achieved diagnostic accuracy comparable to radiology-performed ultrasound for appendicitis, with the advantage of earlier completion (median 12h vs 14.15h). Training surgical trainees in point-of-care ultrasound could enable faster diagnosis and treatment decisions in pediatric appendicitis cases.