ALT Background and study aims Appendicitis is a common condition where the appendix, a small part of the bowel, becomes inflamed. If untreated, it usually doesn’t get better on its own, so the appendix is often removed through surgery. However, diagnosing appendicitis can be tricky because its symptoms can resemble other conditions. While doctors use blood tests and scans to help with the diagnosis, the way these are used varies across the UK, leading to some patients being misdiagnosed or undergoing unnecessary surgery. In fact, about 20% of people in the UK who have their appendix removed are found not to have had appendicitis after all, which is much higher than in other European countries. The CLARITY study aims to improve how doctors diagnose and treat suspected appendicitis. The goal is to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and surgeries by educating doctors on using the best evidence-based strategies to diagnose appendicitis more accurately.

ALT Woman holding their abdomen suffering from appendicitis pain sat on a bed at home, closeup. © New Africa / stock.adobe.com