Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
Insulinoma as rare cause of severe post-partum hypoglycemia
Andreas Holstein1, Thomas Morgenstern1, Henry Dienst2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Lippe-Detmold Hospital.
Post-partum hypoglycemia in non-diabetic women is a rare condition. We report the exceptional case of a 38-year-old obese woman who experienced recurrent neuroglycopenia 3 weeks after delivery. Corresponding to severe hypoglycemia with blood glucose levels of <30 mg/dL, there was no suppression of insulin or C-peptide. Through endoscopic ultrasound we detected a hypoechoic lesion of 8 × 9 mm localized in the head of the pancreas. Thus, the diagnosis of insulinoma was most probable. Complete surgical enucleation of the insulinoma resulted in immediate and permanent resolution of hypoglycemia. The postoperative course was complicated by recurrent episodes of pancreatitis requiring endoscopic ultrasound-guided punctures of pseudocysts and temporary stenting of the pancreatic duct. In conclusion, insulinoma is a very rare, nonetheless important, differential diagnosis of post-partum hypoglycemia.
Post-partum hypoglycemia in non-diabetic women is a rare condition. We report the exceptional case of a 38-year-old obese woman who experienced recurrent neuroglycopenia 3 weeks after delivery. Corresponding to severe hypoglycemia with blood glucose levels of <30 mg/dL, there was no suppression of insulin or C-peptide. Through endoscopic ultrasound we detected a hypoechoic lesion of 8 × 9 mm localized in the head of the pancreas. Thus, the diagnosis of insulinoma was most probable. Complete surgical enucleation of the insulinoma resulted in immediate and permanent resolution of hypoglycemia. The postoperative course was complicated by recurrent episodes of pancreatitis requiring endoscopic ultrasound-guided punctures of pseudocysts and temporary stenting of the pancreatic duct. In conclusion, insulinoma is a very rare, nonetheless important, differential diagnosis of post-partum hypoglycemia.
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...

