When laparotomy is performed for presumed appendicitis, what is the acceptable false-negative rate? How often is another cause identified in this setting?
- A false-negative laparotomy rate of 10% to 20% is reported.
- In roughly 30% of these cases, some other cause of abdominal pain is identified, such as mesenteric lymphadenitis, Meckel’s diverticulum, cecal diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or ileitis.
