RETROPERITONEAL TUMORS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Abstract

THE CLINICAL, anatomical, and statistical features of an initial series of 88 retroperitoneal tumors in infants and children are depicted, together with the presenting symptoms, age incidence, and pathological types. Curability and the importance of early diagnosis is emphasized by recent reevaluation (to January, 1954) of 111 neuroblastoma and Wilms' tumor cases. The transabdominal surgical approach with initial ligation of the renal pedicle and inclusion of Gerota's fascia in the removal of a Wilms' tumor is shown to be essential for an adequate cancer operation. <h3>CLINICAL ASPECTS</h3> Since retroperitoneal growths form the most frequent abdominal tumor of childhood, they are often encountered by the general surgeon. If one visualizes the growing retroperitoneal tumor as it pushes the posterior peritoneum forward and displaces the intra-abdominal organs, then one will understand the insidious nature of the onset and early similarity of symptoms of many of these tumors, regardless of whether they arise