[Anesthesia in insulinoma surgery: report of 18 cases]

We reviewed 18 patients operated on insulinoma during the last 16 years (1974-1990). The previous symptoms, the clinical and biochemical diagnostic procedures, the localization before and during operation, and the medical and surgical treatment are reported. Constant and continuous glucose solution perfusion at the preoperative stage prevented the occurrence of hypoglicemia without interference with the rebound hyperglicemia that follows tumor exeresis. Neuroleptanalgesia with nitrogen protoxide and competitive muscular relaxant agents was satisfactory in all instances. Prevention and treatment of postoperative complications are also discussed in this study.