Intraoperative ultrasonography for insulinoma: a preliminary experience.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A majority of insulinomas are benign and intrapancreatic. Because surgery is curative in 90% of cases, and almost 60% are not detected by preoperative imaging studies, precise intraoperative localization is essential. Recently, the use of high-resolution real-time ultrasonography has facilitated intraoperative detection. METHODS: Intraoperative ultrasonography using a high-frequency probe was performed in four patients with biochemically proven insulinomas. RESULTS: Ultrasonography helped to localize the insulinomas, and also helped in surgical decision-making by accurately documenting the relationship of the tumor to vital structures. CONCLUSION: Besides its ability to find islet cell tumors, intraoperative ultrasonography also affects surgical decision-making.