Povidone-iodine intra-abdominal irrigation versus no irrigation in pediatric perforated appendicitis: A secondary economic analysis of a Bayesian randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in children (2-17 â€‹y) with perforated appendicitis demonstrated an 89% probability of reduced intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) rate with povidone-iodine (PVI) irrigation, compared with no irrigation (NI). We hypothesized that PVI also reduced 30-day hospital costs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective economic analysis of a pilot RCT. Hospital costs, inflated to 2019 U.S. dollars, were obtained for index admissions and 30-day emergency visits and readmissions. Cost differences between groups were assessed using frequentist and Bayesian generalized linear models. RESULTS: We observed a 95% Bayesian probability that PVI reduced 30-day mean total hospital costs ($16,555 [PVI] versus $18,509 [NI]; Bayesian cost ratio: 0.90, 95% CrI, 0.78-1.03). The mean absolute difference per patient was $1,954 less with PVI (95% CI, -$4,288 to $379). CONCLUSIONS: PVI likely reduced the IAA rate and 30-day hospital costs, suggesting the intervention is both clinically superior and cost saving.

Pertussis and influenza immunization: perceived attitude and decision of postpartum patients.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination of pregnant patients with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccine during influenza season can reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; nevertheless, vaccination rates remain suboptimal in this patient population. To investigate the effect of a brief educational counseling session on maternal Tdap and influenza vaccination and determine factors influencing women's decision in regards to receiving Tdap and or influenza vaccine during their pregnancy. METHODS: A face-to-face semi-structured cross-sectional survey was administered to postpartum patients on their anticipated day of discharge (June 11-August 21, 2018). A brief educational counseling session about maternal pertussis and Tdap vaccine was provided to interested patients after which the Tdap vaccine was offered to eligible patients who did not receive it during their pregnancy or upon hospital admission. Medical records were reviewed to determine if surveyed patients were vaccinated prior to discharge. RESULTS: Two hundred postpartum patients were surveyed on their day of anticipated discharge. Of those who were surveyed, 103 (51.5%) had received Tdap and 80 (40.0%) had received influenza vaccinations prior to hospitalization. Among immunized patients, the common facilitators were doctor's recommendation (Tdap: 68, 54.4%; influenza: 3, 6.0%), to protect their baby (Tdap: 57, 45.6%; influenza: 17, 34.0%) and for self-protection (Tdap: 17, 13.6%; Influenza: 17, 34.0%). Of the 119 participants who had not received either Tdap or influenza vaccine prior to the survey, the barriers cited were that the vaccine was not offered by the provider (Tdap: 36, 52.2%; influenza: 29, 27.6%), belief that vaccination was unnecessary (Tdap: 5, 7.2%; influenza: 9, 8.5%), safety concerns for baby (Tdap: 4, 5.8%; influenza: 2, 1.9%). Of 97 patients who were not immunized with Tdap prior to admission but were eligible to receive vaccine, 24 (25%) were vaccinated prior to survey as part of routine hospital-based screening and vaccination program, 29 (38.2%) after our survey. CONCLUSION: Interventions to educate pregnant patients about the benefits of vaccination for their baby, addressing patient safety concerns, and vaccine administration in obstetricians' offices may significantly improve maternal vaccination rates.

Costs associated with postoperative intra-abdominal abscess in pediatric perforated appendicitis: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal abscess, the most common complication after perforated appendicitis, is associated with considerable economic burden. However, costs of intra-abdominal abscesses in children are unknown. We aimed to evaluate resource utilization and costs attributable to intra-abdominal abscess in pediatric perforated appendicitis. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed of children (<18 years) who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (2013-2019). Hospital costs incurred during the index admission and within 30 postoperative days were obtained from the hospital accounting system and inflated to 2019 USD. Generalized linear models were used to determine excess resource utilization and costs attributable to intra-abdominal abscess after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Of 763 patients, 153 (20%) developed intra-abdominal abscesses. Eighty-one patients with intra-abdominal abscesses (53%) underwent percutaneous abscess drainage. Intra-abdominal abscess was independently associated with a nearly 8-fold increased risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted risk ratio, 7.8 [95% confidence interval, 4.7-13.0]). Patients who developed an intra-abdominal abscess required 6.1 excess hospital bed days compared to patients without intra-abdominal abscess (95% confidence interval, 5.3-7.0). Adjusted mean hospital costs for patients with intra-abdominal abscess totaled $27,394 (95% confidence interval, $25,688-$29,101) versus $15,586 (95% confidence interval, $15,102-$16,069) for patients without intra-abdominal abscess. Intra-abdominal abscess was associated with an incremental cost of $11,809 (95% confidence interval, $10,029-$13,588). Hospital room costs accounted for 66% of excess costs. CONCLUSION: Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess nearly doubled pediatric perforated appendicitis costs, primarily due to more hospital bed days and associated room costs. Intra-abdominal abscesses resulted in estimated excess costs of $1.8 million during the study period. Even small reductions in intra-abdominal abscess rates or hospital bed days could yield substantial health care savings.

Birth weight predicts patient outcomes in infants who undergo congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of low birthweight (LBW) infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to normal birthweight (NBW) infants with CDH. We hypothesized that LBW was associated with increased mortality, decreased extracorporeal life support (ECLS) utilization, and increased pulmonary morbidity in CDH patients. METHODS: Patients in the CDH Study Group from 2007 to 2018 were included. LBW was defined as <2.5 kg. Clinical characteristics and outcomes for LBW patients were compared to normal birthweight (NBW) patients using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of 5,586 patients, 1,157 (21%) were LBW. LBW infants had more congenital anomalies and larger diaphragmatic defects than NBW infants. ECLS utilization was decreased, and overall mortality was increased among LBW infants compared to NBW infants. A 1 kg increase in birthweight was associated with 34% higher odds of survival after repair (adjusted Odds Ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.03-1.76; p = .03). LBW infants had longer durations of mechanical ventilation and were more likely to require supplemental oxygen at 30 days and at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: LBW is a risk factor for mortality and pulmonary morbidity in CDH. Prolonged oxygen requirement and increased length of stay are important considerations when managing this population.

Variability in opioid prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs: A survey of providers caring for pediatric surgical patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Comprehensive opioid stewardship programs require collective stakeholder alignment and proficiency. We aimed to determine opioid-related prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs among providers who care for pediatric surgical patients. METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional survey was conducted of attending physicians, residents, and advanced practice providers (APPs), who managed pediatric surgical patients. RESULTS: Of 110 providers surveyed, 75% completed the survey. Over half of respondents (n = 43, 52%) reported always/very often prescribing opioids at discharge, with residents reporting the highest rate (66%). Provider types had varying prescribing patterns, including what types of opioids and non-opioids they prescribed. There was a lack of formal training, particularly among residents, of which only 42% reported receiving formal opioid prescribing education. Finally, although only 28% of providers felt that the opioid epidemic affects children, 48% believed pediatric providers' prescribing patterns contributed to the opioid epidemic as a whole, and 80% reported changing their prescribing practices in response. CONCLUSIONS: Significant variability exists in opioid prescribing practices, knowledge, and beliefs among providers who care for pediatric surgical patients. Effective opioid stewardship requires comprehensive policies, pediatric specific guidelines, and education for all providers caring for children to align provider proficiency and optimize prescribing patterns.

Cryoanalgesia is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Opioid Use in Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain control is challenging after pectus excavatum repair. We aimed to understand the impact that cryoanalgesia had on opioid utilization and outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients (< 18 y) who underwent MIRPE (2011-2019). Patients receiving cryoanalgesia were compared to those who did not. The primary outcome was total postoperative, inpatient, opioid use, measured as milligrams of oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/kg). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 35 patients, 20 received cryoanalgesia (57%). Baseline characteristics were similar. Patients who received cryoanalgesia had a lower opioid requirement: median 2.3 mg OME/kg (IQR 1.2-3.1), versus 4.9 mg OME/kg (IQR 2.9-5.8), P < 0.001. Accounting for receipt of cryoanalgesia, epidural, and/or patient-controlled analgesia, cryoanalgesia was associated with a 3.3 mg OME/kg reduction in opioid use (P < 0.001). Median length of stay (LOS) was shorter in cryoanalgesia patients: 3.1 d (IQR 2.3-3.4), versus 5.1 d (IQR 4.3-5.4), P < 0.001. Complications within 90 d were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoanalgesia is an effective adjunctive pain control modality for patients undergoing MIRPE. Use of cryoanalgesia was associated with lower postoperative opioid requirements and shorter LOS, without increased short-term complications, and should be considered for enhanced recovery after MIRPE.

Variation in opioid utilization among neonates with gastroschisis.

PURPOSE: Repetitive painful stimuli and early exposure to opioids places neonates at risk for neurocognitive delays. We aimed to understand opioid utilization for neonates with gastroschisis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of infants with gastroschisis at a tertiary children's hospital (2017-2019). Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze variations in opioid use. RESULTS: Among 30 patients with gastroschisis, 33% were managed by primary suture-less closure, 7% by primary sutured closure, 40% by spring silo, and 20% by handsewn silo. The proportion of pain medication used was: morphine (89%), acetaminophen (8%), and fentanyl (3%). Opioids were used for a median of 6.5 days (range 0-20) per patient. Median total opioid administered across all patients was 2.2 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg (IQR 0.7-3.3). Following definitive closure, median opioid use was 0.2 MME/kg (IQR 0.1-0.8). With multivariate regression, 45% of the variation in MME use was associated with the type of surgery after adjusting for weight, gestational age, and gender, p = 0.02. After definitive fascial closure, there was no significant variations in opioid use. CONCLUSION: There is a significant variation in the utilization of opioid, primarily prior to fascial closure. Understanding pain needs and standardization may improve opioid stewardship in infants with gastroschisis. 197/200 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Cryoanalgesia enhances recovery from minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum resulting in reduced length of stay: A case-matched analysis of NSQIP-Pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Pain control is challenging after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). Cryoanalgesia, which temporarily ablates peripheral nerves, improves pain control and may accelerate post-operative recovery. We hypothesized that cryoanalgesia would be associated with shorter length of stay (LOS) in children undergoing MIRPE. METHODS: A matched cohort study was conducted of children (<18 years) who underwent MIRPE 2016-2018, using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Each patient who received cryoanalgesia during MIRPE was matched to four controls (no cryoanalgesia). Univariate and multilevel regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients who received cryoanalgesia during MIRPE were matched to 140 controls. Patients who received cryoanalgesia had a LOS reduction with similar secondary outcomes (operative time, rates of complication, reoperation, and readmission). On multilevel regression adjusted for matched groups, cryoanalgesia was associated with a 1.3-day reduction in LOS (95% CI -1.8 to -0.8, p < 0.001). On sensitivity analysis excluding patients with complications, cryoanalgesia remained associated with a LOS reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoanalgesia is a promising adjunct in the care of pediatric patients undergoing MIRPE. Utilization is associated with a shorter LOS without an increase in operative time or complications. Cryoanalgesia should be considered for inclusion in enhanced recovery strategies for patients undergoing MIRPE.

Clinical Practice Guideline Nonadherence and Patient Outcomes in Pediatric Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been associated with improved patient outcomes. We aimed to evaluate institutional CPG adherence and hypothesized that adherence would be associated with fewer complications in pediatric appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric (<18 y) appendicitis patients who underwent appendectomy (6/1/2017-5/30/2018). Patients were managed using an institutional pediatric appendicitis CPG. The primary outcome was CPG adherence, defined as receipt of preoperative antibiotics at diagnosis, surgical prophylaxis before incision, and, in perforated/gangrenous appendicitis, continued postoperative antibiotics, and prescription for discharge antibiotics. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. RESULTS: Among 399 patients, the baseline characteristics were similar between CPG-adherent and nonadherent patients. Overall CPG adherence was low at 55% (n = 221). Only 58% of patients received preoperative antibiotics per protocol (n = 233). Patients with simple appendicitis were more likely to proceed to surgery without receiving any preoperative antibiotics (35% vs. 21%, P = 0.004). Surgical prophylaxis compliance was high at 97% (n = 389). CPG violation was associated with reoperation (n = 5 versus 0, P = 0.02). After adjusting for age and admission white blood cell count, the association between CPG adherence and postoperative surgical site infection or intra-abdominal abscess remained nonsignificant (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.5-2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a long-standing pediatric appendicitis CPG, adherence with antibiotic components of the CPG was poor. CPG violation was significantly associated with reoperation, but was not associated with other postoperative complications. Regular audits of CPG adherence are necessary to ascertain reasons for noncompliance and identify ways to improve adherence.

Implementation of a Parent-centered Approach to the Preinduction Checklist in Pediatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The preinduction checklist, part of the three-phase surgical safety checklist, is performed before induction of anesthesia. Our previous research demonstrated higher checklist adherence by perioperative staff when parents were engaged in the preinduction checklist. We hypothesized that use of a parent-centered script (PCS) during the preinduction checklist would increase parent engagement and checklist adherence. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in which parents of children (<18 y) undergoing nonemergent surgeries (June 2018-July 2019) were observed before and after PCS implementation. The PCS, developed by the health care team, engaged parents by directly asking them to contribute information relevant to parent knowledge. Parent engagement was rated using a five-point Likert scale, and adherence was scored for each relevant checkpoint completed. RESULTS: Of 270 checklists, 154 (57%) occurred before and 116 (43%) after PCS implementation. Groups were similar by primary language, patient age, and type of surgery, but more postimplementation children had a prior surgery. The overall parent engagement score did not improve with the PCS (P = 0.8); however, there was an improvement in eye contact by parents. After introduction of the PCS, checklist adherence decreased from a median score of 6 (interquartile range 5-6) to 4 (interquartile range 4-5) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a PCS did not improve parent engagement during the preinduction checklist and an unexpected decline in checklist adherence was observed. Further research, with parent and staff input, is necessary to determine how best to engage parents while ensuring high checklist adherence.

Prophylactic intraabdominal drains do not confer benefit in pediatric perforated appendicitis: Results from a quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Prophylactic, intraabdominal drains have been used to prevent intraabdominal abscess (IAA) after perforated appendicitis. We hypothesized that routine drain placement would reduce the IAA rate in pediatric perforated appendicitis. METHODS: A 27-month quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted: closed-suction, intraabdominal drains were placed intraoperatively in pediatric (age < 18) perforated appendicitis patients. QI patients were compared to controls admitted during the preceding 8 months and following 4 months. The primary outcome was 30-day IAA rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy QI patients were compared to 109 controls. There was 100% compliance during 21 of 27 months of the QI initiative; only 7 QI patients did not receive drains. IAA occurred in 20.0% of QI patients and 22.9% of control (p = 0.52). After adjustment, the QI initiative was not associated with reduced odds of IAA (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.48-1.44). Median length of stay was longer in QI patients during the index admission (p = 0.03) and over 30 postoperative days (p = 0.03), but these relationships did not persist after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: A QI initiative investigating prophylactic, intraabdominal drain placement in perforated appendicitis did not reduce the IAA rate. We recommend against routine drain placement in pediatric perforated appendicitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Risk factors for nonaccidental burns in children.

BACKGROUND: The relative influences of baseline risk factors for pediatric nonaccidental burns have not been well described. We evaluated baseline characteristics of pediatric nonaccidental burn patients and their primary caretakers. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of pediatric (age < 17) burn patients from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2018. The primary outcome was nonaccidental burn, defined as burn secondary to abuse or neglect as determined by the inpatient child protection team or Child Protective Services. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 489 burn patients, 47 (9.6%) suffered nonaccidental burns. Nonaccidental burn patients more frequently had a history of Child Protective Services involvement (48.9% vs 9.7%, P < .001), as did their primary caretakers (59.6% vs 10.9%, P < .001). Non-Hispanic black children had higher rates of Child Protective Services referral (50.7% vs 26.7%, P < .001) and nonaccidental burn diagnosis (18.9% vs 5.6%, P < .001) than children of other races/ethnicities. On multivariate analysis, caretaker involvement with CPS (odds ratio 7.53, 95% confidence interval 3.38-16.77) and non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity (odds ratio 3.28, 95% confidence interval 1.29-8.36) were associated with nonaccidental burn. CONCLUSION: Caretaker history of Child Protective Services involvement and non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity were associated with increased odds of pediatric nonaccidental burn. Prospective research is necessary to determine whether these represent true risk factors for nonaccidental burn or are the result of other confounders, such as socioeconomic status.

Standardized Discharge Antibiotics May Reduce Readmissions in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Based on limited evidence, the American Pediatric Surgical Association recommends 5-7 d of postoperative antibiotics in perforated appendicitis for preventing intra-abdominal abscess (IAA). In 2015, our institutional clinical practice guideline was modified to standardize prescription for 7 additional days of oral antibiotics after discharge. We hypothesized that prescribing oral antibiotics after discharge would be associated with fewer complications in perforated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of pediatric (younger than 18 y) patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (August 1, 2012-April 30, 2019). Patients diagnosed with IAA before discharge or with a postoperative length of stay ≥8 d were excluded. Patient outcomes were compared prestandardization and poststandardization of discharge antibiotics. RESULTS: Of 617 patients, 212 (34.5%) were admitted prestandardization and 404 (65.5%) poststandardization. Overall, 409 patients (66.3%) received discharge antibiotics. The median total postoperative antibiotic duration was 4 d (interquartile range, 3-5) prestandardization versus 11 d (interquartile range, 10-12) poststandardization (P < 0.001). Prestandardization patients had a higher rate of IAA (8.9% versus 4.5%, P = 0.03) and were readmitted more frequently (13.1% versus 6.4%, P = 0.005). On adjusted analysis, admission poststandardization was associated with reduced odds of IAA (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.06), but the relationship was imprecise. Admission poststandardization was significantly associated with reduced adjusted odds of readmission (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Prescription for seven additional days of oral antibiotics after discharge was associated with reduced odds of readmission in pediatric perforated appendicitis. This population may benefit from a longer postoperative antibiotic course than currently recommended.

Preoperative Opioids Associated With Increased Postoperative Opioid Use in Pediatric Appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: In light of current opioid-minimization efforts, we aimed to identify factors that predict postoperative opioid requirement in pediatric appendicitis patients. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of children (<18 y) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. Patients who underwent open or interval appendectomies were excluded. The primary outcome was morphine milliequivalents (MMEs) per kilogram administered between 2 and 24 h after surgery. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of postoperative opioid use. Clinically sound covariates were chosen a priori: age, weight, simple versus complicated appendicitis, preoperative opioid administration, and receipt of regional or local anesthesia. RESULTS: Of 546 patients, 153 (28%) received postoperative opioids. Patients who received postoperative opioids had a longer median preadmission symptom duration (48 versus 24 h, P < 0.001) and were more likely to have complicated appendicitis (55% versus 21%, P < 0.001). Patients who received postoperative opioids were more likely to have received preoperative opioids (54% versus 31%, P < 0.001). Regional and local anesthesia use was similar between groups. Nearly all patients (99%) received intraoperative opioids. Each preoperative MME per kilogram that a patient received was associated with receipt of 0.29 additional MMEs per kilogram postoperatively (95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative opioid administration was independently associated with increased postoperative opioid use in pediatric appendicitis. These findings suggest that preoperative opioids may potentiate increased postoperative pain. Limiting preoperative opioid exposure, through strategies such as multimodal analgesia, may be an important facet of efforts to reduce postoperative opioid use.

Hepatopulmonary fusion: A rare variant of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopulmonary fusion (HPF), a rare anomaly associated with right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is characterized by a fibrovascular fusion between herniated liver and lung parenchyma. We aimed to clarify patient characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes in HPF. METHODS: Data on infants with HPF were obtained from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Registry (CDHR). Patient characteristics, management, and outcomes were compared with the results of a literature review. RESULTS: Ten cases of HPF were identified in the CDHR. Five patients survived. The median estimated gestational age was 38 weeks (range 36-40). Median birth weight was 2.7 kg (range 2.0-3.8 kg), but non-survivors had a lower median birth weight (2.3 kg vs. 3.5 kg). All patients had at least 1 congenital anomaly in addition to CDH. Operative approach varied, but most surgeons performed only partial separation of the liver and lung (n = 6). The 2 patients who underwent complete separation both ultimately died, 1 due to significant postoperative complications and 1 due to severe pulmonary hypertension with multiple vascular anomalies. CONCLUSION: Partial separation of liver and lung appears to be the wisest surgical approach in HPF, as complete separation has resulted in catastrophic complications due to frequent underlying vascular anomalies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Too much of a bad thing: Discharge opioid prescriptions in pediatric appendectomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Opioid misuse is a public health crisis in the United States. This study aimed to evaluate the discharge opioid prescription practices for pediatric simple appendectomy patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric appendectomy patients at a tertiary children's hospital was conducted from October 2016 to January 2018. Only patients with simple appendicitis were included. Written opioid prescriptions were found in the electronic medical record (EMR) or through a statewide prescription monitoring database. All dosing data were converted to oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Analysis of variance and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: During the study, 590 patients underwent appendectomy, of which 371 (62.9%) were diagnosed as having simple acute appendicitis. The majority of patients were prescribed an opioid analgesic (62.5%). Demographics were similar between those who received opioids and those who did not. The OME prescribed per day (range 0.2 to 3.4 mg/kg/day) was highly variable as was duration of prescription (1 to 30 days). Odds of emergency department visit were 3.3 times higher (95% CI 1.3-8.2) in those who received opioids. CONCLUSION: Postdischarge prescription practices for pediatric appendectomy are highly variable. Two-thirds of patients who received narcotics had a higher rate of complications. Greater scrutiny is required to optimize opioid stewardship. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Getting Started: A Social Media Primer.

Social media use has increased both in the general public and in the surgical profession. A variety of social media platforms have been used, with Twitter being one of the most common and interactive platforms. Common uses by surgeons and scientists for social media include dissemination of information, information exchange, education, research recruitment, community consultation for clinical trials, and hospital or surgeon ratings. As social media use increases, a new language as well as metrics has been developed to track impact and reach of research incorporating social media platforms. All surgeons should be encouraged to familiarize themselves with social media, regardless of whether or not they choose to actively engage in it.