Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
05:42
Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
Insulinoma: an evaluation by a single institution.
D Karakoc1, A Ozdemir, I Sayek
1Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. Derykarakoc@yahoo.com
Acta Chirurgica Belgica
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Diagnosing and surgically treating insulinoma, a rare pancreatic tumor causing hypoglycemia, remains challenging. This study highlights difficulties in localization and evaluation, emphasizing experienced centers for successful surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic islet cell tumor linked to hypoglycemia.
- Diagnosis, tumor localization, and surgical treatment present significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the challenges associated with insulinoma.
- To analyze diagnostic and surgical parameters for insulinoma patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of surgical records from 1980-2006.
- Inclusion of 26 patients operated on for insulinoma.
- Evaluation of patient demographics, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and surgical techniques.
Main Results:
- The study included 26 patients (17 male, 9 female) with a median age of 34.
- The median diagnostic period was 285 days, with abdominal CT being the most common diagnostic tool.
- Surgical procedures included 15 enucleations, 9 distal pancreatectomies, and 3 pancreaticoduodenectomies; most tumors were benign.
Conclusions:
- Difficulties persist in the diagnosis, localization, and histopathologic evaluation of insulinoma.
- Thorough pre-operative assessment and intraoperative exploration are crucial.
- Management at experienced centers is vital for improving surgical success rates in insulinoma cases.
