Contribution of Imaging to the Management of Surgical Emergencies in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital

The aim of this work was to eassess the contribution of imaging in the management of non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergencies at the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Material and methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study that included for 6 months all patients admitted and operated for a non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergency and having performed at least one imaging test. Results: During our study period, Non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergencies accounted for 25.27% of admissions. The average age was37.58 years old with a male predominance (65.3%) and a sex ratio of 1.88. The mean consultation time was 66.92h±40.15. PSA was the most performed imaging test (86.44%) followed by abdominal ultrasound (8.47%). The main non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergencies observed were acute generalized peritonitis (45.8%), followed by acute intestinal obstruction (44.1%). The agreement between imaging and operative diagnosis was 93.46% on PSA, 92.86% on abdominal ultrasound and 100% on abdominal CT. Conclusion: Non-traumatic abdominal surgical emergencies are frequent, imaging examinations (ASP, ultrasound) allow a good appreciation of all non-traumatic abdominal emergencies when they are judiciously used. In addition, CT, although essential, remains inaccessible due to its cost, thus limiting its emergency use.