[Success or failure factors in the treatment of insulin-secreting nesidioblastomas]

The authors report 5 cases of insulin- secreting nesidioblastoma which is not an exceptional tumour but may be suspected clinically before being confirmed in the laboratory. Fasting hypoglycemia or hyper-insulinism may be present, leading to arteriography and surgical exploration. The only valid forms of treatment are enucleation of the tumour or pancreatectomy, depending on whether it is situated on the right or on the left. The authors consider removal must be complete, if not, medical treatment should be preferred.