The insulinoma, beta cell turner of pancreas islet, is characterized by the periodic attack of hypoglycemia of blood sugar level below 50 mg%, by fasting or exertion, and the rapid relief of symptom by oral or intravenous administration of glucose.
A case of insulinoma was encountered at the department of surgery, Chonju Presbyterian Medical Center. The patient had suffered from the syncope or mental confusion in each fasting state especially before the breakfast, or after severe physical exercise, for 20 years.
And that had been dramatically relieved by oral ingestion of sugar water or i. v. glucose.
Under the impression of insulin secreting tumor of pancreas, exploratory laparotomy was done and enucleation of the tumor was performed, which was located in the anterior aspect of pancreas head just beneath the pancreatic capsule, measuring 1. 2 X 1.0 cm.
In the follow up study for 3 years, the result was excellent -with complete disappearance of the hypoglycemic symptoms and the maintenance of normal blood sugar level.
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