SURGERY FOR WILMS-TUMOR - THE EFFECT OF NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

A total of 101 patients presenting for nephrectomy for Wilms' tumour w ere non-randomly offered primary surgery or pre-operative treatment an d were subsequently assessed to determine the effect of the primary tr eatment on surgical morbidity and mortality. Ease of surgery as indica ted by tumour mass and extent of resection was improved in the patient s receiving neoadjuvant treatment. Intra-operative complications were also reduced in this group. Significant pre-existing disease compounde d both surgical and anaesthetic risk in 20% of patients. No effect of pre-operative treatment on histological grading was evident. Overall o perative mortality was 1%.