Minimally Invasive Surgery and New Technologies in Pediatric Oncology

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become a cornerstone in many areas of pediatric surgery, with proven benefits including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, faster return to normal activity, and improved cosmesis. In pediatric surgical oncology, however, the application of MIS has historically been limited by concerns about compromising oncologic principles, the technical challenges posed by small anatomy, and the lack of robust data compared to adult series. Over the past 2 decades, advances in technology, perioperative care, and collaborative research have led to a gradual expansion of indications for MIS in children with solid tumors.