Minimally Invasive Surgery in Pediatric Oncology: Proposal of Guidelines

Background/aim: The objective of the study was to propose clinical guidelines for the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in pediatric oncology.

Patients and methods: Two groups of experts, including pediatric surgeons and pediatric oncologists were created in order to establish strategies of diagnostic and therapeutic surgical management in pediatric oncology.

Results: On the basis of the analysis of the existing literature, we elaborated guidelines that were graded according to the simple practical clinical system: yes/no. This project was dedicated to the following topics: adrenal tumors including neuroblastoma, renal tumors including Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma), ovarian tumors and pulmonary nodules and metastases (osteosarcoma).

Conclusion: Although existing data do not allow the recommendation of the use of MIS for all indications, this technique should currently be regarded as a standard of care in several areas of pediatric oncology.