Open Questions in Surgery for Hepatoblastoma: A Joined SIOPEL-IPSO Survey

Surgery is pivotal in the management of hepatoblastoma (HB) although approaches and techniques may vary. The Liver Group of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPEL) and the International Pediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO) group collaborated to develop an online survey to investigate specific technical aspects and challenging indications for HB surgery, with the goal of establishing shared guidelines.

An electronic survey with 50 items was developed to address preoperative assessment and specific surgical issues. All questions were multiple-choice, allowing for multiple answers in complex cases. The survey was distributed via the SIOPEL and IPSO mailing lists.

Overall, 10% of the mailing lists participated (52 respondents), including 28 transplant (LT) surgeons and 24 non-LT surgeons from 25 countries, globally. Around 40% (20/52) work in high-volume centers (> 10 hepatic resections/year, and > 10 liver transplants/year). For a mass at the origin of the suprahepatic veins, LT is preferred over resection (48 vs. 12), while a mass with satellite nodules favors liver resection (52 vs. 15). Non-LT surgeons prefer LT for masses at the hilar plate, whereas LT surgeons choose resection (p < 0.05). IVC replacement is favored by transplant surgeons in case of infiltration (p = 0.043), mostly with heterologous venous grafts (p = 0.004).

The heterogeneity of responses underscores the lack of a standardized approach to the various surgical scenarios encountered in the surgical management of HB. Further analysis will enhance the understanding of how different management strategies affect outcomes and promote the creation of evidence-based guidelines for HB resection practices.