Early computed tomography after gross total resection of neuroblastoma with image defined risk factors to objectively assess extent of resection

jpedsurg.org

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common extracranial solid malignancy of childhood, accounting for 8–10% of paediatric cancers. It predominantly affects infants, with 90% diagnosed before age five; about 70% present with advanced disease. Prognosis depends on biological and clinical factors, with overall 5-year survival near 70%. Surgical resection is central to treatment, but reliable postoperative assessment of gross total resection (GTR) remains difficult. Intraoperative and photographic evaluations are unreliable, and although CT or MRI is standard, there is no consensus on timing or modality.

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Article · Jan 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

This article examines the role of early postoperative CT imaging in objectively evaluating the completeness of neuroblastoma resection when image-defined risk factors are present. It addresses the challenge of reliably assessing gross total resection, a critical prognostic factor in this common pediatric solid tumor.

Neuroblastoma accounts for 8-10% of pediatric cancers; 90% diagnosed before age 5, 70% present with advanced disease.
Surgical resection is central to treatment, but reliable postoperative assessment of gross total resection remains challenging.
Intraoperative and photographic evaluations of resection completeness are unreliable in neuroblastoma surgery.
Early postoperative CT or MRI is standard practice, but no consensus exists on optimal timing or imaging modality.
Objective assessment of extent of resection using early CT may improve surgical quality metrics and treatment planning.

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