Outcome Analysis of Surgical Complications in Paediatric Solid Tumours – A Retrospective Clinical Study

Purpose Postoperative complications can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life, particularly in children with solid tumors, as they may delay essential adjuvant therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the severity and effects of these complications and to validate the Clavien–Dindo classification system in pediatric patients following surgery for solid tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on postoperative complications in children with solid tumors at a tertiary care teaching hospital over five years. Patient demographics and tumor types were recorded, and complications were categorized using the Clavien–Dindo classification. The study identified key risk factors for complications and their implications for patient care. Results In a study of 188 patients, the majority (n = 157; 83.5%) had low-grade (grade 1 or 2) postoperative complications. Higher intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001), adjacent organ infiltration, and longer surgical times were associated with more severe complications. Patients with higher-grade complications also had longer hospital stays (Kendall’s Tau coefficient of 0.48). Among the 26 patients with tumor recurrence, 30% had experienced severe complications (grades 3 and 4). The Kaplan‒Meier curve and log-rank test (p < 0.001) showed that severe complications are linked to a lower survival probability. Conclusion The analysis of complications showed a significant effect on short-term surgical outcomes, and severe complications may also impact oncological outcomes. The Clavien-Dindo classification is a useful tool for grading postoperative complications in pediatric surgical oncology. Level of evidence : LEVEL III