LAPAROSCOPIC NEPHRECTOMY IN FATAL CHILDREN WITH WILMS TUMOR

Abstract

Over the past decades, minimally invasive surgical procedures have been widely applied in the field of pediatric urology. However, very few cases of possible laparoscopic removal of a nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumor) in children have been reported, especially during the 1st year of life. In this study, we estimated our experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms’ tumor in young children. 5 children with unilateral Wilms’ tumor who were less than 1 year of age and underwent radical nephrectomy via laparoscopic approach were observed from 2010 to 2017. During the intervention, the average age of the patients was 7.4 months. All children who underwent the laparoscopic surgery had a favourable early perioperative period. No continuous tumor growth, tumor implantation in the perioperative wound and trocar-related injury were noted. No delayed complications were found during the 12 to 60 month control period. The observed patients had no phenomena of renal insufficiency. The survival rate was 92.9%. Laparoscopic tumor nephrectomy is feasible in infants. It can be performed when the Wilms’ tumor reaches a volume of no more than 70 cm3 at specialized pediatric hospitals that provide oncological and urological services.