Stefano Avanzini

and 18 more

BACKGROUND Preoperative evaluation of Image Defined Risk Factors (IDRFs) in neuroblastoma (NB) is crucial for determining suitability for upfront resection or tumor biopsy. IDRFs are linked with a higher potential morbidity at operation and lessen the chance of complete tumor resection. The IDRFs do not all carry the same weight in predicting tumor complexity and surgical risk. In this study we aimed to assess and categorize the degrees of surgical complexity (Surgical Complexity Index, SCI) in NB resection.  PROCEDURE A panel of 15 surgeons was involved in an electronic Delphi consensus survey to identify and score a set of shared items predictive and/or indicative of surgical complexity, including the number of preoperative IDRFs. Risk categories included - (a) Standard risk; (b) Moderate risk; (c) High risk; (d) Very high risk. A shared agreement included the achievement of at least 75% consensus focused on a single category or, alternatively, on the sum between the prevailing category and an immediately closest one. RESULTS After 3 Delphi rounds, agreement was established on 25/27 items (92.6%). A severity score was established for each item ranging from 0 to 3 with an overall SCI range varying from a minimum score of zero to a maximum score of 29 points for any given patient.  CONCLUSIONS A consensus on a SCI to stratify the risks related to tumor resection was established by the panel experts. This index will now be deployed to critically assign a better severity score to IDRFs involved in NB surgery.

Fanny Delehaye

and 29 more

Objective Ovarian mature teratoma (OMT) is a common ovarian tumor found in the pediatric population. In 10% to 20% of cases, OMT occurs as multiple synchronous or metachronous lesions on ipsi- or contralateral ovaries. Ovarian sparing surgery (OSS) is recommended to preserve fertility, but total oophorectomy (TO) is still performed. This study reviews the clinical data of patients with OMT, and analyzes risk factors for second events. Design A retrospective review of all girls under 18 years of age with OMTs was performed. Data on clinical features, imaging, laboratory studies, surgical reports, follow-up second events and their management were retrieved. Results Overall, 350 children were identified. Eighteen patients (5%) presented with a synchronous bilateral form at diagnosis. Surgery was performed by laparotomy (85%) and laparoscopy (15%). OSS and TO were performed in 59% and 41% of cases respectively. Perioperative tumor rupture occurred in 23 cases, independently of the surgical approach. Twenty-nine second events occurred (8.3%) in a median time of 30.5 months from diagnosis (ipsilateral: 8 cases including one malignant tumor, contralateral: 18 cases, both ovaries: 3 cases). A large palpable mass, bilateral forms at diagnosis and perioperative rupture had a statistical impact on the risk of second event, whereas type of surgery or approach did not. Conclusion This study is a plea in favor of OSS as the first choice of treatment of OMT when possible. Close follow-up during the first five years is mandatory considering the risk of 8.3% of second events especially in cases with risk factors.