[Fewer unnecessary appendectomies following ultrasonography and CT].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the use of ultrasonography (US) and optional computed tomography (CT) or diagnostic laparoscopy on the percentage of unnecessary appendectomies in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.

Design: Prospective and comparison with a historical control group.

Method: Following the introduction of ultrasound imaging as an initial step, the outcomes in all patients presenting with suspected appendicitis in the emergency department were prospectively collected during a period of 18 months (July 2006-December 2007).