Clinical Trial: Laparoscopy to Remove Pancreatic Tumors (Insulinomas)

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Use of Laparoscopy for Localization and Resection of Insulinomas of the Pancreas

Brief Summary:

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

Detailed Summary: Patients with the clinical diagnosis of hypoglycemia secondary to a putative insulin secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor require accurate localization of the tumor and definitive surgical resection. Non-invasive pre-operative imaging studies such as CT, MRI and ultrasound often fail to accurately localize the lesion prior to surgery. Invasive imaging such as arteriogram and selective arterial stimulation are a major improvement, but may not be needed in all patients. This trial will evaluate the ability of laparoscopic exploration with intraoperative ultrasound to localize the insulinoma and allow for its resection with a single procedure.
Sponsor: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

Dates:
Date Received: June 13, 2000
Date Started: June 2000
Date Completion: May 2006
Last Updated: March 3, 2008
Last Verified: May 2006