Artificial pancreas as an aid during insulinoma resection

Blood glucose control by an artificial pancreas facilitated the intraoperative management of two patients with insulin-secreting pancreatic islet cell tumors (one had a large adenoma, the other diffuse islet-cell hyperplasia). The artificial pancreas is a glucose-controlled insulin and dextrose infusion system uniquely suited for the control of blood glucose concentrations during surgery. The artificial pancreas produced a stable glycemic baseline before surgery, prevented hypoglycemia during palpation of the pancreas and manipulation of the tumor, and indirectly amplified small decreases in the blood sugar level with large increases in the rate of dextrose infusion. The advantages and limitations of continuous glucose monitoring during surgery and the use of this instrument in locating occult insulin-secreting tumors are reviewed.