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Updated: May 27, 2025

Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
Complete Resolution of Frequent, Non-Specific Hypoglycemia Symptoms After Surgical Removal in a Patient With
Fariz N Huda1, Susanna H Hutajulu2, Sofi Aresy3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, IDN.
Abstract:
Insulinoma, the most common functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, is a rare and typically benign tumor. However, excessive insulin secretion can result in life-threatening hypoglycemia, which is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific early symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis. Rigorous evaluation is required once insulinoma is suspected since the tumor might also be challenging to detect through imaging techniques. This case study explores insulinoma's diagnostic, localization, and management challenges. We present the case of a 41-year-old female patient who had multiple episodes of severe hypoglycemia for the past four years. A combination of biochemical and morphological examinations led to the identification of a localized pancreatic insulinoma. Subsequently, an open surgical procedure was performed, resulting in a successful removal of the insulinomas through enucleation and remarkable post-operative result. It is essential to consider insulinoma as a potential underlying cause of recurrent hypoglycemia in non-diabetic individuals. High awareness might significantly reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis of the disease, and successful surgical removal of the insulinoma not only alleviates hypoglycemic symptoms but also leads to a complete resolution of the condition, preventing life-threatening complications associated with untreated hypoglycemia.
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