Laparoscopy as a diagnostic measure in children with malignant tumors and second-look laparoscopy in monitoring tumor therapy

Abstract

Precise staging of malignant disease is required to define the optimal therapeutic strategy. In spite of technical advances, the sensitivity of conventional imaging techniques is limited. The tumor origin cannot always be defined, and macroscopic foci of malignancy are not evident. We report on three cases in which laparoscopy contributed to plotting of the therapeutic strategy. Laparoscopy may not only be effective for staging intra-abdominal malignant disease by obtaining tissue samples under direct vision but adds the benefit of a much more sensitive method of postoperative monitoring during chemotherapy.