Pancreatic adenomas in infants and children: current surgical management.

Islet cell adenomas are an important consideration in infants and children with hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinism. Between 1965 and 1977, 32 patients with hyperinsulinism were seen at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Sixteen of these patients underwent surgery. Eight patients had single pancreatic adenomas, 5 of whom were infants under 1 yr of age. In 3 infants an adenoma was recognized and removed at the time of surgery. In 4 patients a subtotal pancreatectomy was successful in removing the adenoma. One infant is whom the adenoma was not included in the subtotal pancreatectomy died postoperatively with intractable hypoglycemia. Of the 7 patients cured by surgery, 6 are normal and 1 has brain damage due to delay in treatment of hypoglycemia. One child has mild diabetes. A combined medical and surgical protocol has been developed that permits rapid diagnosis of hyperinsulinism and selection of candidates for surgery. Infants under 1 yr of age who fail to respond to diazoxide should be explored. In children whose hyperinsulinism appears beyond 1 yr of age, surgery is indicated, since an adenoma is likely.