Disparities in Utilization of Same-Day Discharge Following Appendectomy in Children

Disparities in the delivery of pediatric surgical care exist for racial and ethnic minority groups. Utilization of same-day discharge (SDD) following appendectomy for acute, uncomplicated appendicitis is increasing; however, rates among diverse populations have not been explored to evaluate equitable care delivery and healthcare utilization. Our objective was to determine whether race and ethnicity are associated with rates of SDD and postdischarge healthcare utilization. We hypothesized that racial and ethnic minority groups would have lower rates of SDD.

This retrospective cohort study used data from the 2015-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric clinical registry and included children who underwent appendectomy. Patients with complicated appendicitis were excluded. Primary exposure was racial or ethnic group. The primary outcome was SDD, and secondary outcomes included postdischarge emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.

Of 37,579 simple appendicitis patients, SDD after appendectomy occurred in 10,012 (26.6%). On multivariable analysis, Black or African American race was associated with lower likelihood of SDD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.85; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]:0.79-0.92; P < 0.0001). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with higher likelihood of SDD (aOR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.12-1.25; P < 0.0001). Likelihood of postoperative emergency department visits was higher in Black or African American patients (aOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14-1.62; P < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (aOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12-1.58; P < 0.0001). Hospital readmission rates were similar across groups.

Rates of SDD following appendectomy vary among racial and ethnic groups. Interventions to achieve equitable healthcare delivery including SDD after appendectomy are needed.