Pancreatic insulinomas.

We report a series of 30 patients with pancreatic insulinoma treated from 1967 to 1990. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery. In 24 patients, the lesion was a benign adenoma. The pancreatic lesion was localized preoperatively in 59% of cases (94% since 1980), and all lesions that were identifiable histologically were palpable intraoperatively. Endoscopic pancreatic ultrasonography, performed twice, appeared to be a very promising method of investigation. In the 24 patients with adenoma, 14 enucleations and 10 pancreatic resections were performed, with the enucleation rate increasing over time. One patient died during the postoperative period. Pancreatic fistulas (43%) were the most common cause of morbidity and were more common after enucleation (57% versus 29% after pancreatectomy). The mean follow-up period was 7 years. Excluding the patients with adenocarcinomas, the recovery rate was 92% (23 of 25 among whom 2 patients had transitory recurrent hypoglycemia), 2 patients who underwent corporeo-caudal pancreatectomy being diabetic (8%).

[Trauma emergency care]. / Les urgences traumatologiques.

The organization of trauma care within the country is essential. Hospitals able to provide optimal care for the injured patient must be selected. Every hospital have to evaluate its capabilities and resources and its places in the emergency medical services system. The number of hospitals defined to take care of severely injured patient should be defined by many factors: geography and population density, capable personnel immediately available priority of access to sophisticated laboratory and radiologic services, operative rooms and intensive care units. University Hospitals should have a trauma service connected with the department of surgery to take care of severely injured patients. General hospitals are an important resource to take care of others trauma patients.

Mattress suture for pancreatic closure and anastomosis.

The vertical mattress suture is described as used during pancreatic surgery. This method of closure enhances the security of anastomoses and minimizes the likelihood of leakage or sepsis.

[Cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Apropos of 7 new cases]. / Les cystadénomes et cystadénocarcinomes du pancréas. A propos de 7 nouvelles observations.

Cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas are tumours which remain poorly known because of their relative rarity. They are seen essentially in women aged between 40 and 60 and involve the left half of the pancreas more often than the right. The symptomatology remains latent for a fairly long time, which explains the fact that they are most often discovered only at the stage of a palpable tumour. Recent methods of investigation--echotomography and computed tomography--are of very great value in preoperative diagnosis. It is extremely important to draw the distinction within the group of benign cystadenomas between microcystic forms and macrocystic forms or mucinous cystadenomas, the latter having a definite potential for malignant change, possibly explaining the link with certain cystadenocarcinomas. As a result, excision surgery is always preferable, when possible, to bypass surgery, at least in caudal or corporeo-caudal lesions, since excision surgery is usually easy. For cephalic lesions, if excision surgery seems difficult, it may be conceivable, using modern techniques of investigation, to adopt a conservative attitude when there are no features suggestive of potential malignant change.

[Vater's ampulla neoplasms. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Apropos of 18 cases]. / L'ampullome vatérien. Approche diagnostique et thérapeutique. A propos de 18 observations.

Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neoplasms of the ampulla of Vater are discussed in relation to a relatively small but homogeneous series of 18 cases. The presenting sign is almost always jaundice, with or without associated manifestations of the angiocholitic type, sometimes regressive but recurrent. A rapid diagnosis should now be possible by ultrasound imaging of the dilated intra- and extra-hepatic biliary pathways, complemented by either fibroscopy with or without retrograde catheterization or trans-parieto-hepatic-cholangiography. The most effective therapy appears to be cephalic duodeno pancreatectomy, pathologic examination of fresh specimens of possible adenopathies being of doubtful interest since the presence of N + lymph nodes does not prevent prolonged life expectancy. The principal technical problem is related to the pancreatic stump, since this is formed of healthy parenchyma capable of provoking a fistula whether or not a pancreatico-digestive anastomosis has been performed. It might be possible in the future to use substances blocking the external secretion of the pancreatic stump left in place, in order to diminish the risk of fistula and its well-known consequences. Tumors of the ampulla of Vater have a relatively favorable prognosis when compared with that of other neoplasms in the biliopancreatic intersection zone, and an aggressive attitude to their therapy is therefore fully justified.