Quantifying the effect of resident education on outcomes in pediatric appendicitis

Abstract Background/Purpose. Surgical residents are involved in the care of patients in a climate where quality of care is an important outcome measure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of resident involvement on appendectomy outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed appendectomies, ages 0–18, from January 2016 – December 2018. Operative time, operative charges, and post-operative outcomes were evaluated for cases with and without a resident. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank and Fisher's exact tests. Results Of 1842 appendectomies (1267 resident present and 575 no resident present), there was no difference in post-operative stay, abscess formation, readmission, or emergency room visits for simple or complex appendicitis. Operative time was signficantly longer for cases of simple appendicitis by 10 min (p =  Conclusion Resident involvement results in an increase in operative time and charges, with no difference in length of stay or complications. These results highlight the cost of resident involvement, without an increase in complications experienced by patients. Level of Evidence. Level III Evidence.