Sensitivity and Specificity of the Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

Objective: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency; however, its misdiagnosis resulting in negative appendicectomy is not uncommon. Novel diagnostic methods will help reduce the rate of negative appendicectomy. We hypothesise that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) will increase upon peritoneal involvement by inflammation, as it does in severe disease.