Insulinoma: an Evaluation by a Single Institution

Abstract

Introduction: Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic islet cell tumour that is associated with hypoglycaemia. Diagnosis of the disease, localisation of the tumour and surgical therapy may be challenging and the aim of this study is to evaluate the problems concerning insulinoma.

Materials and methods: The surgical records of patients who were operated on for insulinoma at Hacettepe University Department of General Surgery between January 1980 and December 2006 were evaluated retrospectively. The evaluated parameters were the gender and ages of the patients with symptoms, signs, diagnostic tools and surgical methods. Results: Twenty-six patients were included in the study. There were 17 male and nine female patients. The median age was 34. The median diagnostic period was 285 days. Abdominal computer tomography was the most frequently used diagnostic method. A total of 15 enucleations, nine distal pancreatectomies and three pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed. Histopathologically most of the tumours were benign islet cell tumours.

Conclusions: There are still difficulties in the diagnosis, localisation and histopathologic evaluation of insulinoma. Appropriate pre-operative evaluation, through exploration and palpation of the pancreas during the surgery, as well as experienced centres are important to increase the success of the surgery of insulinoma.

Key Words:

• Insulinoma
• pancreas

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D. Karakoc

D. Karakoc, M.D. Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakültesi Genel Cerrahi AD, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkiye Tel.: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]