Delayed presentation and sub-optimal outcomes of pediatric patients with acute appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Retrospective study comparing pediatric appendicitis outcomes during NYC's COVID-19 peak (March-May 2020) versus the prior year. Pandemic-era patients had delayed presentation (median 2 vs 1 day), higher perforation rates (45% vs 27%), increased non-operative management, and longer hospital stays, demonstrating pandemic-related healthcare disruption's impact on surgical outcomes.