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Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
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Picking up an insulinoma - The challenges ahead.
Ashok Sunder1, Sudip Saha1, Bhagyalakshmi Satyanarayan1
1Department of General Medicine, Tata Main Hospital, Tata Steel, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India.
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|December 12, 2022
Summary
Insulinoma, a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, causes hypoglycemia. This case study highlights the diagnosis and surgical removal of an insulinoma in a 61-year-old male, emphasizing early detection for symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) causing endogenous hyperinsulinism and hypoglycemia.
- It is the most common cause of hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin production.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male presented with recurrent episodes of giddiness, uneasiness, and blackouts over three months.
- Symptoms improved with carbohydrate-rich meals, and lab tests revealed low random and fasting blood sugar with elevated insulin and C-peptide levels.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of insulinoma was confirmed via DOTA PET scan, localizing the tumor to the pancreatic tail.
- Surgical resection of the insulinoma was performed, leading to symptom resolution.
Implications:
- Early detection and diagnosis of insulinoma are critical for timely surgical intervention.
- Surgical removal offers a definitive treatment for insulinoma, alleviating hypoglycemic symptoms.
