Impact of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Presentation, and Management of Pediatric Appendicitis: Lessons Learned from the First Wave

Analysis of pediatric appendicitis during COVID-19's first wave reveals decreased simple cases but stable/increased complicated presentations due to delayed care-seeking. Key clinical challenge: distinguishing multisystem inflammatory syndrome from appendicitis in febrile children with GI symptoms to avoid unnecessary surgery.