Abstract:
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, MR!, 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. Ultrasound was the screening test where as surgery and
endoscopy were confirmatory. The ultrasound results were compared with the operative
or endoscopic findings.
