Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for Wilms' tumor

Nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor was performed on 58 patients over a 20-yr period, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed on 35 who presented with no demonstrable metastases. The survival rate was 100% for 19 clinical group I patients with negative nodes. Positive nodes in 9 instances led to 5 long-term survivors and significantly influenced staging as a guide for further therapy.