EP181 - The role of abdominal X-rays in the acute abdomen: a retrospective audit

Abstract Introduction Abdominal x-rays (AXR) are commonly performed as part of the diagnostic work up for acute abdomen despite wide availability of CT. Several studies dispute the role of AXR in acute abdomen, due to low accuracy, uncertain role in diagnosis & management and superiority of CT (1). There are calls to replace AXRs with CT altogether where possible, as patients often end up having CT scans, thereby receiving larger doses of radiation (2). The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) have produced guidelines to reduce the use of AXR in the acute setting (3). The aim of this audit was to clarify if we adhere to the RCR Guidelines at our DGH. Methods 62 consecutive adult surgical patients admitted to our surgical admissions unit as emergency, between September and November 2023 were included in this retrospective audit. Data was collected regarding patient demographics, reason for request, AXR report, whether patient underwent CT, CT report and time between AXR and CT. Results 97% of AXR requests were compliant with RCR guidelines. 30/62 patients also had a CT scan following initial AXR. Of these, 13 had normal AXR and CT. 9 had normal AXR but abnormal CT. 8 had abnormal AXR which was confirmed on subsequent CT. Discussion We identified that our surgical unit has good compliance with RCR guidelines. However, nearly half of our patients also had a CT scan, in addition to AXR. Although the AXR has lower radiation dose, it may be prudent to restrict the addition of AXR, if a CT is required to assess acute abdomen. We now aim to discuss and propose change in our practice for the future.