Roles of pediatric surgeons in palliative pediatric oncology

Abstract

Pediatric surgeons engaged in oncology will inevitably treat patients receiving pallia-
tive care, but their role in this context is poorly described. This article identifies some
of the challenges and opportunities of surgical involvement in pediatric oncology pal-
liative care, underscoring how the surgeon’s expertise can be exploited to significantly
benefit children with cancer. Specific examples of skills (procedural, communication,
and coordination) that surgeons can provide to the multidisciplinary palliative care
teams are described and the importance of collaboration is highlighted.