Complex surgery

Complex surgery

• Surgery for solid tumors

  Surgery for solid tumors

  At the Princess Máxima Center, the surgical team provides care for all children who need surgery during their cancer treatment. We also perform surgeries for solid tumors, including neuroblastomas, partial nephrectomy procedures, and rare tumors. Centralizing care in one national center allows us to bring together a highly specialized team with extensive expertise in these complex procedures.

  Neuroblastoma surgery

  Neuroblastomas are among the most common solid tumors in children. Because of the centralization of care and the use of innovative techniques, the surgical team has extensive experience treating this condition.

  Partial nephrectomy

  For children requiring surgery for kidney tumors, including bilateral kidney tumors, our team uses state-of-the-art techniques. We have in-depth expertise in performing partial nephrectomies, where part of the kidney is preserved while treating the tumor effectively.

  Rare tumor treatment

  Our expertise also extends to rare and complex tumors. Through our multidisciplinary approach and centralized care model, we ensure that every child with a rare tumor receives appropriate and specialized surgical treatment.

  Innovative techniques

  The team adheres to international pediatric oncology guidelines and uses advanced technologies such as fluorescence-guided surgery and image-guided surgery.

  Fluorescence-guided surgery: This technique helps surgeons identify and visualize specific tissues or tumors during operations using special dyes that fluoresce under specific lighting. It allows better definition of boundaries between healthy and diseased tissue, leading to more successful surgeries, faster recovery times, and fewer complications.

  Image-guided surgery: This involves advanced imaging technologies to provide real-time, highly detailed visual information during surgery. It improves surgical precision and safety, particularly for complex or delicate procedures involving solid tumors in children.

  Meet the Surgical Team

  • Prof. Dr. Marc Wijnen (Head of Department)

  • Dr. Lideke van der Steeg

  • Dr. Sheila Terwisscha

  • Drs. Kees van de Ven

  • Drs. Caroline Hulsker

  • Drs. Guus Bökkerink

• Neurosurgery

  Neurosurgery

  Our expert pediatric neurosurgical team is dedicated to treating tumors of the central nervous system in children through both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Diagnostic methods include needle biopsies as well as endoscopic or open biopsies. Treatment strategies typically involve tumor resection but may also include procedures for drug delivery or intra-tumoral deposition of novel agents.

  Our national practice, which handles a high volume of children with central nervous system tumors, has allowed our pediatric neurosurgeons to gain extensive experience. Very complex neurosurgical procedures are performed using our state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an intraoperative MRI and an integrated neuro navigation system.

  In addition to providing care, our team is actively involved in international translational and clinical research to continually improve outcomes for children. We are also available for consultation by colleagues facing challenging cases.

  Meet the Neurosurgical Team

  • Prof. Dr. Eelco W. Hoving (Head of Department)

  • Dr. Oscar Eelkman Rooda

  • Dr. Mariska Sie

  • Dr. Sen Han

  • Dr. Peter Woerdeman

• Orthopedic surgery

  Orthopedic surgery

  The Department of Orthopedic Surgery / Sarcoma Unit at the Princess Máxima Center is renowned for its advanced multidisciplinary care in treating pediatric bone and soft tissue cancers.

  The center employs highly experienced and skilled surgeons and medical doctors specializing in orthopedic surgery and sarcoma treatment, particularly for complex and rare tumors. A multidisciplinary team—including surgeons, pediatric oncologists, radiologists, radiotherapists, and physical therapists—works together to create personalized treatment plans. In addition to medical care, emotional, psychological, and rehabilitation support is provided to help children fully recover.

  The team uses advanced imaging techniques such as (bone) MRI and (PET) CT scans to ensure precise surgeries with reduced risks. The center offers the latest surgical techniques, including computer-assisted surgery and fluorescence-guided surgery, to support oncologically safe limb-salvage procedures.

  The center is also engaged in groundbreaking research and offers clinical trials for new, potentially life-saving treatments.

  Technologies at the Máxima Center, such as 3D imaging, computer navigation, and fluorescence-guided surgery, improve surgical precision and outcomes. Specialized techniques like rotationplasty, non-invasive growing prostheses, and limb-reconstructive plastic surgery for soft tissue and bone reconstruction ensure the best possible functional and cosmetic recovery for children. These innovations make the center a leader in treating complex sarcoma cases.

  Meet the Orthopedic Surgery Team

  • Prof. Dr. Michiel van de Sande

  • Prof. Dr. Bart Schreuder

  • Prof. Dr. Jos Bramer

  • Dr. Lizz van der Heijden