Comparison of ultrasound and operative findings in abdominal lesions at Muhimbili national hospital

Background: Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is widely used in investigating patients with surgical abdominal diseases and gynaecological diseases. This may be explained by its relative accessibility, affordability, and safety as compared to other sophisticated imaging modalities such as CT scan, MRI, and others. However the diagnostic value, i.e. sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values, of this imaging technique have not yet been assessed, here in Dar es Salaam. Objective: To compare the Ultrasound findings and Operative findings in abdominal lesions at Muhimbili National Hospital. Method: From March 2003 through March 2004, 277 patients were studied. These were patients who under-went abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, or both, followed by either open surgical procedure or endoscopy, due to either surgical or gynaecological condition, within the study period. Surgical procedure or endoscopy, due to either surgical or gynaecological condition, within the study period. Ultrasound was the screening test whereas surgery and endoscopy were confirmatory. The ultrasound results were compared with the operative or endoscopic findings.