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01-05-2020 | Computed Tomography | Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

Routine versus selective computed tomography in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain: meta-analysis of randomised trials

Authors: Shahab Hajibandeh, Mohamed Loutfi, Shahin Hajibandeh, Adel Abulkhir, Sheik Rehman, Moustafa Mansour, Reza Arsalani Zadeh

Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the routine vs. selective use of computed tomography (CT) in patients presenting with non-traumatic acute abdominal pain (AAP) to a surgical service.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of outcomes according to PRISMA statement standards to compare the routine vs. selective use of CT in adult patients presenting with non-traumatic AAP.

Results

Analysis of 722 patients from 4 randomised controlled trials showed no difference between the routine CT and selective CT groups in terms of proportion of correct diagnoses (OR 1.36,95% CI 0.89, 2.07, P = 0.15), mortality (RD 0.03, 95% CI − 0.08, 0.02, P = 0.27] and length of hospital stay (LOS) [MD − 0.26, 95% CI − 2.07, 1.55, P = 0.78).

Conclusions

The routine use of CT does not improve the proportion of correct diagnoses and mortality compared to selective use of CT in adult patients with non-traumatic AAP. The available evidence regarding the influence of routine CT on LOS may be subject to type 2 error. These findings, however, may not apply to the elderly patient with AAP and further studies are required.

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Title: Routine versus selective computed tomography in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain: meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Shahab Hajibandeh
Mohamed Loutfi
Shahin Hajibandeh
Adel Abulkhir
Sheik Rehman
Moustafa Mansour
Reza Arsalani Zadeh
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Key Symptom
Abdominal Pain
Published in: Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1435-2443
Electronic ISSN: 1435-2451
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-020-01884-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Routine versus selective computed tomography in non-traumatic acute abdominal pain: meta-analysis of randomised trials

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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