Surgical considerations for patients with Wilms' tumor

Despite the advances in multimodal treatment of Wilms' tumor, surgical staging and tumor resection remain a central component of therapy. Although standard approaches are available through multicenter studies, such as the NWTS and SIOP, controversy exists regarding several aspects of surgical management. Recent data call into question the need for contralateral exploration in the era of modern imaging. Various methods are available for managing caval tumor thrombus. Bilateral Wilms' tumor requires a special surgical strategy. The surgeon plays a key role in determining whether preoperative chemotherapy should be used to facilitate surgical resection. The role of partial nephrectomy is still being defined. And finally, surgery plays an important role in the management of tumor recurrence. Surgeons must be fully aware of the data and philosophical issues that pertain to these areas if they are to fulfill their role in the multidisciplinary team caring for children with Wilms' tumor.