Comparative Analysis of the Acute Appendicitis Management in Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common emergency surgical diseases in pediatric population. Herein, we aimed to compare the incidence and severity of AA before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This multicenter study was conducted in three medical faculty hospitals between the periods of 15 March-30 June 2019 (Group A), and the pandemic period of 15 March-30 June 2020(Group B). We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients in each group due to age, gender, serum leukocyte, C-reactive protein, radiological imaging use of postop peritoneal drain and presence of serious complications. Results: A total of 141 patients were identified, 64 in Group A and 77 in Group B. We found higher complication rates in Group B. Fewer patients applied in Group B, but a higher rate of AA was diagnosed. During the COVID-19 period, more patients were admitted with the later stages of the AA and with significant complications. Radiological imaging of patients with appendicitis in Group B showed more severe disease than cases in Group A. Conclusion: Higher rate of perforated and complicated appendicitis in the pandemic period was due to misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis in primary care centers as a result of fear from contagious coronavirus. While the period of the COVID - 19 pandemic presents difficulties in treating infected patients, we would like to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive assessment and physical examination in children with suspected surgical conditions.