How effective is kidney removal surgery for wilms tumour?

Wilms tumour, also called nephroblastoma, is usually managed by a specialist children’s cancer team. Surgery may remove the affected kidney and nearby structures, while the other kidney is assessed carefully. In some plans, chemotherapy is given before surgery to reduce the tumour; in others, treatment follows the operation. The surgical specimen helps determine tumour type and stage, which then guides further medicine or radiotherapy.

Ask the team why surgery is planned at a particular point and how the other kidney will be protected. Tell them about medicines, allergies and changes in urine, appetite, energy or pain. Follow instructions about fasting, wound care, activity and medicines after discharge. Keep every pathology and oncology appointment because the next treatment decision depends on the findings from the operation.

Call the hospital promptly for fever, repeated vomiting, worsening belly pain, a swollen or red wound, unusual sleepiness, reduced urine or inability to keep fluids down. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, heavy bleeding or a child who is difficult to wake. Use the cancer team’s out-of-hours number when available.

Will chemotherapy come before or after surgery? What will happen to the other kidney? Which pathology findings affect the next step? How should pain, urine output and fever be monitored at home?