Our Summary

This research paper discusses the management of tumors in children, which usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Recently, a less invasive surgical approach has been adopted more often, leading to faster recovery and less pain after surgery. The paper provides a detailed review of these less invasive surgical methods used for common types of child tumors, specifically focusing on the technical aspects of the procedures and the outcomes after surgery. The types of tumors discussed include liver, ovarian, kidney, and thoracic tumors, as well as neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, which are cancers that often occur in children.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary goal of minimally invasive surgical approaches in treating pediatric tumors?
  2. What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of pediatric tumors?
  3. What are some common pediatric tumors that can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oncologic surgery is to follow their postoperative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following a healthy diet and exercise routine to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oncologic surgery include those with:

  • Solid tumors such as liver tumors, neuroblastoma, ovarian tumors, renal tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma, and thoracic tumors
  • Tumors that are localized and have not spread to other parts of the body
  • Tumors that are causing symptoms or complications, such as pain, obstruction, or bleeding
  • Tumors that are potentially curable or can be effectively managed with surgical intervention
  • Patients who are otherwise healthy enough to undergo surgery and tolerate the associated risks and recovery process

Overall, the decision to recommend oncologic surgery for a patient is based on a thorough evaluation of the tumor, its location, size, and characteristics, as well as the patient’s overall health and potential benefits and risks of surgery.

Timeline

Before oncologic surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a tumor through imaging studies and biopsy.
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and preparation, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultation with various specialists.
  • Patient may undergo neoadjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  • Surgical team plans the approach and technique for tumor removal.

After oncologic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the tumor.
  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure proper healing.
  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort postoperatively, but this is usually managed with pain medications.
  • Patient begins rehabilitation and physical therapy as needed to regain function and strength.
  • Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and imaging studies to monitor for recurrence and assess overall recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of oncologic surgery is recommended for my specific type of tumor?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, following surgery?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing oncologic surgery on pediatric patients?
  6. What are the long-term outcomes and survival rates associated with this type of surgery?
  7. Will there be any long-term side effects or complications from the surgery?
  8. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery?
  9. Will I need to follow a special diet or lifestyle changes before or after surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pachl M, Lautz TB, Aldrink JH, Abdelhafeez H, Irtan S. Journal: Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2025 Apr;72 Suppl 2:e31162. doi: 10.1002/pbc.31162. Epub 2024 Jul 10. PMID: 38987997