Surgical intervention in children with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

Purpose of review: We provide a summary of the literature published in the past year addressing the surgical approach to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 in the pediatric population. Recent findings: The review focuses first on medullary thyroid carcinoma and performing prophylactic thyroidectomy for the prevention or cure of this disease. The timing and extent of surgery as well as additional surgical intervention for persistent or recurrent disease is discussed. Then the surgical management of hereditary pheochromocytoma is reviewed. Summary: Surgery is often the only treatment that can prevent or cure the endocrinopathies associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Determining the proper timing and extent of surgical intervention in children affected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 will lead to better outcomes and survival.