Association Between the SARS-Cov2 Pandemic and Pediatric Surgical Consultations

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems globally.
• Understanding its effect on acute pediatric surgical needs is crucial for resource allocation and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in acute pediatric surgical needs during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To compare emergency department (ED), operative, and hospital outcomes for pediatric surgery consultations between 2019 and 2020.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of all in-hospital pediatric surgery consultations.
• Comparison of outcomes (ED time, procedures, diagnoses) between March-May 2019 and March-May 2020.
• Analysis included appendicitis presentation and complexity.

Main Results:

• Fewer overall pediatric surgery consults in 2020 (123) vs. 2019 (225).
• Children spent less time in the ED in 2020, but required more ED procedures (e.g., laceration repairs).
• Appendicitis cases were more frequent and complicated in 2020, with some nonoperative management observed.

Conclusions:

• The early pandemic phase saw more efficient ED triage for pediatric surgical patients.
• However, there was an increase in ED procedures and more complex surgical pathology, particularly appendicitis.
• These findings highlight adaptive changes in surgical care delivery during the pandemic.