Variables

The primary outcome was the pediatric QoR-15 score performed on postoperative day 1 (POD1). Covariables extracted from the patient’s medical record included preoperative characteristics (age, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status, type of surgery, preoperative pediatric QoR-15 score), intraoperative data (type of anesthesia, duration of surgery) and postoperative data (PACU and hospital length of stay). Extent of surgery was classified as minor, intermediate or major, based on expected stress response, inflammation and duration of surgery as previously described^8,13.

On POD1, patients were asked to rate their overall postoperative recovery using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). The duration of completing this form was also measured.

Outpatient were assessed through a phone call to their parents who received a paper form of the scale at the end of the preoperative visit. The presence of any complication (including cardiovascular, infectious, respiratory, or renal complication) on postoperative day 1 was also recorded.

To minimize measurement bias, all pediatric QoR-15 form completions were conducted by two trained research coordinators including coauthor VDA.