The entity of negative appendectomies still poses a dilemma in chlidren. Focused computed tomography (CT) scanning has become the diagnostic test of choice in many hospitals. However, the impact of CT scans on the diagnosis in children is unknown exactly. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate CT scans for the evaluation of acute appendicitis in children, to review utilization of this diagnostic test in our appendicitis population and to determine if diagnostic accuracy has improved. A retrospective analysis of efficacy of CT scan for diagnosis of appendicitis in children was conducted. Children undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis were reviewed from 2007 to 2012. Perforation and negative appendectomy (removal of a normal appendix) rates were determined by the final pathologic report. Statistical comparison were made using the χ² test and significance was assigned at p < 0.05. Five hundred four appendectomies were performed. Mean age was 10.1 ± 3.21 years, and 62.7% were boys. Overall, 308 children (61.1%) underwent CT scanning, 100 (19.8%) had US performed, and 97 (19.2%) had no radiographic study. A pathologically normal appendix was removed in 8.7% (27 of 308) of CT patients, 9.0% (9 of 100) of US patients, and 11.3% (11 of 97) of patients without a study. The frequency of CT scanning increased from 29.7% (27 of 91) of all children in 2007 to 75.6% (59 of 78) in 2012, whereas utilization of US decreased from 30.8% (28 of 91) to 11.5% (9 of 78). During this time period the difference in the negative appendectomy rate did change significantly from 14% to 6%. Liberal use of CT scans in diagnosing appendicitis in children has resulted in a decreased negative appendectomy rate.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare disorder caused by extrinsic compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA. The operative treatment of choice is bypassing the obstructed duodenal segment by duodenojejunostomy. We report one case of SMA syndrome treated by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy and followed up by 3D-reconstructive CT scan. A fifteen-year-old boy with intermittent vomiting and weight loss was admitted. Ultrasonography showed narrowing of the distance between the SMA and aorta. Hypotonic duodenography showed dilatation of duodenal third portion and barium stasis. On 3D-reconstructive CT scan, the angle between SMA and aorta was 37 °. The postoperative course was uneventful. Three months later, he had gained 3 kg of weight and the angle between SMA and aorta increased to 38-39 ° on 3D reconstructive CT scan. Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for bypassing the obstructive duodenum in SMA syndrome is a feasible and safe method.