Laparoscopy to Remove Pancreatic Tumors (Insulinomas)

This study will determine if laparoscopy can be used successfully to find and remove insulinomas (insulin-secreting tumors of the pancreas). These tumors are very small and often difficult to locate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound. Invasive procedures, such as arteriograms (X-ray imaging using a contrast agent injected into the bloodstream through a catheter) and venous sampling are more successful but involve more patient discomfort and greater risk. This study will test whether laparoscopy can be used to replace some or all of these tests, as well as more extensive surgery.

Patients 11 years of age and older with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) probably caused by an insulinoma may be eligible for this study. Candidates will have their hypoglycemia confirmed (with tests done under NIH protocol 91-DK-0066: Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypoglycemia) and will have CT imaging of the abdomen and MRI and ultrasound tests of the liver and pancreas. Patients whose tumors are not found by these studies will undergo arteriography of the pancreas and hepatic (liver) venous sampling.

Patients will then have laparoscopy. This surgical procedure uses a laparoscope-a tube-like device with special cameras and an ultrasound probe attached through which the surgeon can see and operate inside the abdomen. Laparoscopy is commonly done to remove the gallbladder and is also used to remove portions of the pancreas. For the current procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen, inserts tubes, fills the abdomen with gas, and proceeds to explore and operate on the pancreas. The surgeon will try to locate the tumor with the laparoscope. If the tumor is found, the location will be verified by the imaging study results. If it cannot be located by laparoscopy, the results of the imaging studies will be disclosed to enable removal. If the tumor cannot be successfully removed using the laparoscope, standard surgery will then be performed. If the tumor cannot be found though laparoscopy, imaging studies, or traditional surgery, the operation will be concluded without removing any of the pancreas. Medical treatment will be initiated and re-evaluation will be recommended after 6 months.