[Retro- and prospective studies on the value of clinical and laboratory chemical data in acute appendicitis].

In a retrospective study 536 appendicectomized patients were analyzed, in order to identify anamnestic, clinical and laboratory findings which allow the differentiation between acute and non-acute appendicitis. 150 consecutive patients were studied prospectively, which were referred to our department with a presumptive diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Eight single criteria were found, which exhibited a significantly different frequency in acute and non-acute appendicitis. Each criterion showed a low sensitivity and specificity; a score, which was created by combination of these single criteria also had low sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that the correct indication for appendicectomy highly depends on clinical experience of the surgeon.