Reconstructive vascular surgery in pediatric oncology: literature review

Abstract

Background. In some rare cases pediatric solid tumors may infiltrate or incase major vessels, which may require vascular plastics as part of radical tumor resection. As these situations are rare in pediatric surgeon practice, there is no common approach to this problem. In order to analyze the available experience we reviewed published cases concerning vascular plastics in pediatric oncosurgery. Materials and methods. The references from MEDLINE (PubMed), HighWire Press, and eLibrary electronic databases were analyzed for references describing practical vascular surgery experience with vascular implants published in 2002–2022. Results. There is few published data on major vessels reconstruction in patients with pediatric solid tumors. Most publications describe single cases or small case series. The vascular plastics in these children is difficult due to small vessel diameter, difficulties in choosing the right graft, risk of thrombosis, and the need to provide adequate circulation in a rapidly growing child. As there are no major studies of this subject we still have no consensus on optimal vascular reconstruction tactics in children with solid tumors. Therefore, new systematic studies are needed. Conclusion. We provide a brief review on currently used methods of vascular plastics and reconstruction available for use in children with solid tumors.