Evaluation of aortography in assessing the resectability of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma in children.

To assess the resectability of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma and determine the timing of a "second-look" resection of primary tumor on the basis of aortographic findings, 32 abdominal aortographies performed on 26 patients with retroperitoneal neuroblastoma (22 adrenal, 4 paraspinal) were examined retrospectively. Angiographic findings of both displacement of aorta and narrowing of aorta indicate the difficulty of complete removal of the neuroblastoma. These findings were particularly useful in determining the resectability of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma. On the other hand, the absence of angiographic findings of both displacement of main vessels (celiac axis, origin of superior mesenteric artery, or renal arteries) and stretching of main vessels indicate the feasibility of complete removal of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma. On the basis of angiographic findings, the decision to resect the retroperitoneal neuroblastoma could be made in 6 patients, who underwent the "second-look" operation.