Application of image-defined risk factors for assessing operative risks of thoracoabdominal localized neuroblastoma

Objective To evaluate the application value of image-defined risk factors for assessing operative risks of neuroblastoma. Methods The clinical data of 75 children with thoracoabdominal neuroblastoma were analyzed by image-defined risk factors staging method. We mainly evaluated the clinical value of selecting treatment options and assessing operative risks. Results A total of 75 children were recruited. The percentage of complete tumor resection in stage L1 neuroblastoma patients was significantly higher than that in stage L2 neuroblastoma counterparts (86.2% vs. 39.1%)(P<0.05). And operative duration in stage L1 was significantly shorter than that in stage L2 [(108.24±37.87) vs. (169.63±67.97) min](P<0.05). The cases of intraoperative blood transfusions in stage L2 increased significantly as compared with those in stage L1 (54.3% vs. 17.2%)(P<0.05). The incidence of vascular injury (L1=2, L2=12), organ injury (L1=1, L2=11) and excision of invading viscera (L1=2, L2=13) in L2 stage neuroblastoma was significantly higher than that in L1 stage (P<0.05). The frequency of complications occurring in stages L1 and L2 was (0.24±0.435)(7/29) and (0.87±0.749)(40/46) respectively(P<0.05). Conclusions The image-defined risk factors staging method has obvious advantages in guiding the selection of treatment and evaluating the risk of surgery of children with neuroblastoma. It is an objective, detailed, accurate and suitable method for pediatric surgeons in the operative risk assessment. Key words: Neuroblastoma; Surgery, computer-assisted; Neoplasm staging