General Surgical Emergencies in the Pediatric Oncologic Patient

Oncologic patients can suffer from any general pediatric emergency, but these illnesses may not present with the classic symptoms. Treatment and its optimal timing should be discussed with the oncologic team. If seen in the periphery, such patients should be transferred to a specialized oncologic surgery center where these entities are routinely encountered. If possible, operative intervention should be postponed until specific risk factors improve. In general, the least invasive therapy should be chosen. Neutropenia is a particular ominous factor for morbidity and mortality, since it impedes wound healing and compromises the immune system.