Aim We present the preliminary results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) total and partial nephrectomy for renal malignant tumors in children. Methods This is a prospective study of patients operated with RAL between December 2016 and September 2018. Patients with Wilms tumors were treated according to the SIOP-2001 protocol. Patient and tumor characteristics, type of surgery, surgical-related morbidity, and oncologic outcomes were recorded. Results were compared with a series of patients with similar age- and tumor-related characteristics operated during the same period by an open surgical approach. Results Ten children underwent RAL nephrectomy with a mean age of five years (3.2-14.1 years). Total nephrectomy was done in six cases for Wilms tumor and in one case for renal sarcoma; three cases were converted. Complete removal of tumor without rupture was achieved in all cases. Postoperative course was uneventful, and patients were discharged between days 2 and 7. Neither recurrence nor medium-term complications occurred. Nine patients are alive with a median follow-up of 16 months (6-27 months) and one female died from complications of central nervous system metastases one year after surgery. When compared with the open surgical approach group, median tumor volume was smaller (P = 0.005), hospital stay was shorter (P = 0.01), and operative time was similar (P = 0.20). Conclusions RAL total and partial nephrectomy procedure for renal tumor in children may be an option in carefully selected cases. Indication should be discussed at tumor boards and surgery performed while adhering strictly to oncological surgical rules.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic management of renal tumors in children: Preliminary results.

What is the risk of local recurrence after laparoscopic transperitoneal radical nephrectomy in children with Wilms tumours? Analysis of a local series and review of the literature

Purpose To evaluate feasibility and outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in Wilms tumor (WT). Methods International multicenter review of MIS total nephrectomies for WT between 2006 and 2018. Medical records of confirmed WT were retrospectively assessed for demographic, imaging, treatment, pathology, and oncological outcome data. Results Fifty patients, with a median age of 38 months (6-181), were included in 10 centers. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as per SIOP protocol. Median tumor volume post-chemotherapy was 673 mL (18-3331), 16 tumors crossed the lateral border of the spine, and three crossed the midline. Six patients with tumors that crossed the lateral border of the spine (tumor volumes 1560 mL [299-2480]) were converted to an open approach. There was no intraoperative tumor rupture. Overall, MIS was completed in 19% of the 195 nephrectomies for WT presenting during the study period. Tumor was stage I in 29, II in 16, and III in 5, and histology was reported as low in three, intermediate in 42, and high risk in five. Three patients had positive tumor margins. After a median follow-up of 34 months (2-138), there were two local recurrences (both stage I, intermediate risk, 7 and 9 months after surgery) and one metastatic relapse (stage III, high risk, four months after surgery). The three-year event-free survival was 94%. Conclusion MIS is feasible in 20% of WT, with oncological outcomes comparable with open surgery, no intraoperative rupture, and a low rate of local relapse. Ongoing surveillance is, however, needed to evaluate this technique as it becomes widespread.

Minimally invasive surgery for unilateral Wilms tumors: Multicenter retrospective analysis of 50 transperitoneal laparoscopic total nephrectomies.

Background Only limited data exist to define the role of laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms tumor. Our aim was to present our experiences with this method with special regard to patient selection and technical aspects. Methods Records of patients with Wilms tumor who had been operated on using laparoscopic nephrectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Analyzed data contained patient characteristics, outcome, staging, tumor histology, tumor size, lymph node sampling, lymph node histology, pre- and postoperative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical procedures, and complications. Results From 2010 to 2018 laparoscopic Wilms tumor nephrectomy was performed in 9 children (median age 24 months (12.0–57.5)) who did not qualify for nephron sparing surgery and who met internally defined criteria. Each patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy to which 7 of the tumors responded substantially. Median tumor volume at surgery, maximal diameter, and specimen weight was 74 ml (15–207), 6.5 cm (3.5–9.3), and 125 g (63–310), respectively. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Overall survival and event-free survival was 9/9, median follow up was 48 months (24–78). These data were used to propose a patient selection algorithm. Technical aspects derived from our experience include usage of the ureter as leading structure, usage of a transabdominal traction suture around the ureter, and lymph node sampling before tumor nephrectomy. Conclusion With increasing expertise of operating surgeons, more complex WT might be a target for minimally invasive surgery, provided that patient selection and technical factors are carefully addressed.

Patient selection and technical aspects for laparoscopic nephrectomy in Wilms tumor.

Most children with tumors will require one or more surgical interventions as part of the care and treatment, including making a diagnosis, obtaining adequate venous access, performing a surgical resection for solid tumors (with staging and reconstruction), performing procedures for cancer prevention and its late effects, and managing complications of treatment; all with the goal of improving survival and quality of life. It is important for surgeons to adhere to sound pediatric surgical oncology principles, as they are closely associated with improved local control and survival. Unfortunately, there is a significant disparity in survival rates in low and middle income countries, when compared to those from high income countries. The International Society of Paediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO) is the leading organization that deals with pediatric surgical oncology worldwide. This organization allows experts in the field from around the globe to gather and address the surgical needs of children with cancer. IPSO has been invited to contribute surgical guidance as part of the World Health Organization Initiative for Childhood Cancer. One of our goals is to provide surgical guidance for different scenarios, including those experienced in High- (HICs) and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). With this in mind, the following guidelines have been developed by authors from both HICs and LMICs. These have been further validated by experts with the aim of providing evidence-based information for surgeons who care for children with cancer. We hope that this initiative will benefit children worldwide in the best way possible. Simone Abib, IPSO President Justin T Gerstle, IPSO Education Committee Chair Chan Hon Chui, IPSO Secretary

International Society of Paediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO) Surgical Practice Guidelines

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor: Can we expand on the current SIOP criteria?

Investigating the Effect of Early Life Antibiotic Use on Asthma and Allergy Incidence in Over 600,000 Canadian Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study in British Columbia and Manitoba

Annie Roberts

Papers

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor: Can we expand on the current SIOP criteria?

What is the risk of local recurrence after laparoscopic transperitoneal radical nephrectomy in children with Wilms tumours? Analysis of a local series and review of the literature

Investigating the Effect of Early Life Antibiotic Use on Asthma and Allergy Incidence in Over 600,000 Canadian Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study in British Columbia and Manitoba