[Evaluation of rational lymph node dissection for abdominal neuroblastoma]

Complete tumor resection has a significant role in the treatment of localized neuroblastoma. Recently we have applied activated carbon particles to lymph node dissection in the surgery of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma with nodal involvement for the complete resection of this tumor. In this study, we have reviewed 22 consecutive patients with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma who received rational lymph node dissection using activated carbon particles from 1985 through 1990, including 16 patients detected through mass screening. Fourteen patients with stages I, II, and IV-S of neuroblastoma have survived for a median duration of 37.6 months, and all patients detected through mass screening survived for a median duration of 36.7 months, with no evidence of disease after operation. Two of the 8 patients with advanced disease (stages III and IV) died of tumor progression. No local recurrence was observed in all patients, and early or late complications were minimal. In conclusion, rational lymph node dissection considering the lymphatics is recommended for the surgery of patients with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma, including the patients detected through mass screening.