Bilateral partial nephrectomies for large bilateral Wilms' tumors

Abstract

Bilaterality occurs in 3%–10% of children with Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). 1–4 The majority present in a synchronous fashion, usually one side being the dominant lesion while contralateral involvement is small, surgically accessible, noted incidentally. Occasionally both tumors are large, creating a dilemma when attempting to preserve adequate renal tissue while extirpating tumor. Recent experience demonstrates the feasibility of staged bilateral nephrectomies in such a patient.