Paediatric Onco Surgery is a specialized branch of surgery focused on diagnosing and treating cancers in infants, children, and adolescents. It involves the surgical removal of tumors while preserving organ function and ensuring the best possible outcomes. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including oncologists, radiologists, and pediatric specialists.

1. Common Pediatric Cancers Treated with Surgery

A. Abdominal & Genitourinary Tumors

1. Wilms’ Tumor (Nephroblastoma) – Kidney Cancer
   • Treatment:
     • Nephrectomy (partial or total removal of the affected kidney).
     • May be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
2. Neuroblastoma – Adrenal Gland & Nerve Tissue Cancer
   • Treatment:
     • Tumor resection with chemotherapy and radiation in advanced cases.
3. Hepatoblastoma & Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Liver Cancers)
   • Treatment:
     • Liver resection (hepatectomy) or liver transplant in severe cases.

B. Bone & Soft Tissue Tumors

1. Osteosarcoma & Ewing’s Sarcoma (Bone Cancers)
   • Treatment:
     • Limb-sparing surgery or amputation if necessary.
     • Chemotherapy before and after surgery to shrink the tumor and prevent recurrence.
2. Rhabdomyosarcoma (Soft Tissue Cancer in Muscles)
   • Treatment:
     • Surgical removal followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation.

C. Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors

1. Medulloblastoma & Gliomas (Brain Tumors)
   • Treatment:
     • Neurosurgical tumor excision.
     • May require postoperative chemotherapy or radiation.
2. Ependymoma (Spinal Cord Tumor)
   • Treatment:
     • Microsurgical removal of the tumor.
     • Radiation therapy in some cases.

D. Other Pediatric Cancers

1. Germ Cell Tumors (Testicular, Ovarian, Sacrococcygeal Teratomas)
   • Treatment:
     • Surgical removal, sometimes combined with chemotherapy.
2. Lymphomas (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)
   • Treatment:
     • Surgical biopsy for diagnosis, followed by chemotherapy.
     • Sometimes removal of large, localized tumors.

2. Surgical Techniques in Pediatric Oncology

• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): Laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery for smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
• Tumor Debulking Surgery: Partial removal of tumors when complete removal is not possible.
• Limb-Sparing Surgery: Preserving limbs while removing bone cancers.
• Neurosurgery: Precision tumor removal from the brain or spinal cord.

3. Multidisciplinary Approach & Post-Surgical Care

• Collaboration with Pediatric Oncologists: Chemotherapy and radiation planning.
• Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy: Especially for bone and brain tumors.
• Long-term Monitoring & Follow-up: Preventing recurrence and managing late effects.