Neuroblastoma in Children: Intraoperative Goal Directed Therapy, Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor in children. Anesthetic management can be challenging due to the localization and catecholamine-secreting characteristics of the tumor. We undertook a secondary analysis in a previous study to describe patients who underwent neuroblastoma resection. Objective: To describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent neuroblastoma resection and to propose optimal intraoperative management for postoperative outcome improvement. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of children who underwent neuroblastoma resection in the initial retrospective study. Results: There were 16 patients with a mean age of 39.3 ± 22.1 months. Seven (43.8%) patients presented with intraoperative or postoperative complications. One (6.3%) patient had intraoperative broncho-laryngospasm and difficult intubation. Two (12.5%) patients had intraoperative hemorrhagic shock. One patient (6.3%) had postoperative renal failure. Two patients (12.5%) had postoperative respiratory failure, and 3 (18.8%) patients had postoperative cardiocirculatory failure. One (6.3%) had postoperative pulmonary sepsis and septicemia. Thirteen (81.3%) patients were intraoperatively transfused. There was no in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: In this cohort, 43.8% of the patients had intraoperative and or postoperative complications in terms of organ dysfunction or sepsis. 81.3% of the patients received intraoperative transfusion. Neuroblastoma surgery can be a challenging situation where cardiovascular instability, high blood loss and transfusion requirements can be encountered. Consequently, preoperative preparation and optimal intraoperative management with validated tools in children could be necessary for a better postoperative outcome in this surgical setting.