Surgical complications in acute leukemia in childhood: a 20 year experience

A retrospective study of all patients presenting with acute leukemia to a single institution during the period 1968-1988 was undertaken to determine the type and incidence of surgical complications. One hundred twenty-eight of 296 patients were identified as requiring a surgical consultation for complications occurring during the course of the disease and many surgical disciplines were involved. Operative intervention was often required for these complications. Pediatric surgical specialists need to be aware of the range of surgical complications that can occur in children with acute leukemia and they must work in close co-operation with pediatric medical oncologists to ensure optimal treatment for all patients.