ABSTRACT
Childhood malignancy is a relatively rare event with an approximate incidence of 1 in 500 by the age of 15 years (1). The survival for children with cancer has dramatically improved over the last 20 years. Approximately 70% to 80% of children with cancer will be alive for 5 years after diagnosis (2).Many of the advances in the treatment of childhood cancers have been through development of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens. The complexities of modern oncologic care have mandated a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The pediatric surgical oncologist plays an important role in the multidisciplinary management of pediatric cancers and therapy is constantly evolving. Although the surgical removal of solid tumors and management of the surgical complications remain important aspects of pediatric surgical oncology, surgeons involved in the care of children and adolescents with malignancies face a variety of newproblems and complications related to the therapy and supportive care. The surgeon must naturally be familiar with medical management of malignancies, the problems that may arise as a result of therapy and the appropriate role of surgical intervention in their management. While chemotherapy and radiation continue to improve, there are associated complications related to toxicity and varied drug use that may lead to the need for surgical intervention. This chapter will focus on some of the commonly seen complications of the management of pediatric oncology patients.
