[Endocrine surgery from the viewpoint of the pediatric surgeon]

The extent of surgery for thyroid tumors is discussed. Prophylactic thyroidectomy in MEN II a and b is advocated. Pancreatic surgery is necessary in cases of nesidioblastosis, islet cell carcinoma, papillary-cystic neoplasia and pancreaticoblastoma. Gastrointestinal tumors with hormonal activity are very rare. "Incidental carcinoid" is occasionally found. Early detection of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in childhood usually allows for complete removal of a gastrinoma. Benign and malignant neoplasms of the adrenals warrant radical surgery. We report one case of minimally invasive bilateral removal of the adrenals for nodular hyperplasia. Pheochromocytoma in childhood presents several peculiarities influencing perioperative management. It may occur as part of MEN II a.