PLAIN ABDOMINAL RADIOGRAPHS AND ACUTE ABDOMINAL PAIN
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2008.15.01.2693Keywords:
Abdominal radiography, acute abdominal pain, audit, abdominal X-rayAbstract
In this study we audited one district general hospital’s current practice of
performing abdominal X-ray (AXR) in adult patientswith acute abdominal pain. Data was collected from patients’ notes
one day post-admission and a total of 100 consecutive cases were reviewed in a two month period. AXR were deemed
unnecessary in 53% of these in view of the patients’ clinical presentation. Inappropriate use of AXR is a source of
preventable radiation, patient discomfort and also an aspect of financial burden on the NHS. By educating staff,
introducing an A&E poster and departmental protocol, the use of AXR can be restricted to necessary cases only.
