Staged resection for a ruptured hepatoblastoma: a 6-year follow-up

Pediatr Surg Int. 2007 Jun;23(6):609-11. doi: 10.1007/s00383-006-1827-0. Epub 2006 Oct 26.

Abstract

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare germ cell tumour of childhood usually presenting with progressive abdominal distention. However, presentation as acute abdomen is a rare occurrence and is secondary to spontaneous rupture. This presentation carries high mortality. To our knowledge, six cases of ruptured hepatoblastoma have previously been reported, although the long-term outcome has not been clear. We report a case of ruptured HB who was managed by initial control of haemorrhage by laparotomy followed by chemotherapy with high-risk hepatoblastoma protocol as per SIOPEL 2 (cisplatin, carboplatin and doxorubicin) and a staged hepatectomy 5 months later. Patient is currently disease free at 6-year follow-up. Staged hepatectomy after initial control of haemorrhage does not preclude a curative resection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Hepatectomy / methods*
  • Hepatoblastoma / complications
  • Hepatoblastoma / drug therapy
  • Hepatoblastoma / pathology
  • Hepatoblastoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Rupture, Spontaneous