P-BN07 Identifying gallstones in acute pancreatitis. Are we undermanaging our patients?

Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common surgical presentation with a wide spectrum of severity and outcome. The most common cause of AP is gallstones, accounting for approximately 50% of cases, followed by alcohol excess. Reliable identification of gallstones is crucial as patients can be offered cholecystectomy to prevent recurrence. Current UK guidelines recommend a minimum of two negative ultrasounds to rule out gallstones. The aim of this study was to assess the pickup rate of gallstones on ultrasound for patients admitted with AP and audit our compliance with UK guidelines. Methods All patients admitted with acute pancreatitis between the start of January 2019 to the end of December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. All patients with a known pre-existing cause for pancreatitis such as alcohol excess, chronic pancreatitis, CBD stricture and pancreatic mass were excluded. Electronic records were examined to identify subsequent imaging investigations and final diagnosis. Particular interest was given to whether gallstones were identified, and adherence to UK guidelines. Results 206 patients were identified following the exclusion criteria. 189 underwent an ultrasound on admission, 111 were positive for gallstones. Of the negative ultrasounds (78), 15 underwent a further USS (4 positive), 29 underwent an MRCP (12 positive), 15 had a CT (3 positive) and 3 had an ERCP (3 positive). This left 16 with an unknown aetiology after 1 ultrasound and did not undergo further imaging and therefore did not comply with the current guidelines. Of the 11 patients who had 2 negative ultrasounds 5 had further imaging and all were negative for gallstones. Conclusions In conclusion Gallstone pancreatitis is a common acute surgical presentation of which morbidity and mortality can be significant. Following our retrospective assessment, we deem secondary imaging in the form of USS or MRCP to be necessary in the investigation of acute pancreatitis due to the high pickup rate. Compliance with current guidelines aids diagnostics and ensures appropriate and timely management of this condition leading to improved patient care.

EP.FRI.101 Paediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS): A local trial of a risk prediction pathway

Introduction Right iliac fossa (RIF) pain remains the commonest acute general surgical presentation in children. Our centre had been an outlier compared with the national average in terms of negative appendicectomy rates. Thus, we designed and implemented a local pathway for risk stratification and management of children with RIF pain. Methods The first phase was a retrospective analysis of all appendicectomies performed between April 2018 and March 2019, in children aged five to seventeen years old. Pre-operative inflammatory markers, clinical signs, and histology findings were analyzed. Second phase involved designing a pathway utilizing Paediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), a ten-point scoring system when assessing children with RIF pain. The final phase was a prospective analysis of appendicectomy results performed between August and November 2019, after implementing PAS pathway. Results 92 cases were recruited in the first phase (mean age 12.3). 22 cases were analyzed in the final phase after implementing PAS pathway (mean age 10.9). Our negative appendicectomy rates had reduced from 25% to 15.4%. In addition, we found that 96% of positive appendicectomies had either raised inflammatory markers (WCC or CRP), raised PAS (Score of ≥ 4), or both. Conclusion There is noticeable difference in our negative appendicectomy rates since the introduction of PAS pathway. A diagnosis of appendicitis in a child with normal inflammatory markers and PAS score seemed unlikely. Our goal is to continue utilizing the PAS pathway in our department in order to reduce unnecessary surgeries in children.

774 Paediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS): A Local Trial of a Risk Prediction Pathway

Aim Right iliac fossa (RIF) pain remains the commonest acute general surgical presentation in children. Our centre had been an outlier compared with the national average in terms of negative appendicectomy rates. Thus, we designed and implemented a local pathway for risk stratification and management of children with RIF pain. Method The first phase was a retrospective analysis of all appendicectomies performed between April 2018 and March 2019, in children aged five to seventeen years old. Pre-operative inflammatory markers, clinical signs, and histology findings were analysed. Second phase involved designing a pathway utilizing Paediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), a ten-point scoring system when assessing children with RIF pain. The final phase was a prospective analysis of appendicectomy results performed between August and November 2019, after implementing PAS pathway. Results 92 cases were recruited in the first phase (mean age 12.3). 22 cases were analysed in the final phase after implementing PAS pathway (mean age 10.9). Our negative appendicectomy rates had reduced from 25% to 15.4%. In addition, we found that 96% of positive appendicectomies had either raised inflammatory markers (WCC or CRP), raised PAS (Score of ≥ 4), or both. Conclusions There is noticeable difference in our negative appendicectomy rates since the introduction of PAS pathway. A diagnosis of appendicitis in a child with normal inflammatory markers and PAS score seemed unlikely. Our goal is to continue utilizing the PAS pathway in our department in order to reduce unnecessary surgeries in children.