Pancreatic Insulinoma

Pancreatic Insulinoma is a tumor of the beta islet cells of the pancreas and it results in elevated insulin levels. Animals present with profound hypoglycemia. From a surgical perspective, most Insulinomas occur in the right or left tail of the pancreas. Some will be found in the body. Some can be malignant and will metastasize. The pancreas can be operated on successfully. Removal of an Insulinoma usually requires a partial pancreatectomy. In some situations the lesion can be gently dissected and teased from the pancreatic tissue. TA staple guns or overlapping 4-0 Nylon suture material can be used to collapse (do not crush) pancreatic tissue (ducts and vessels) before the resection occurs.