Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is an important part of managing tumors of the pancreas. Surgeons play a crucial role in determining the exact location and size of the tumor, which guides the decision on the extent of pancreatic tissue that needs to be removed for tumor removal. In some cases, minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques can be employed. To accurately locate the tumor and estimate its size, surgeons may use imaging techniques such as computed tomography scans (CT scans) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
When it comes to benign tumors, surgery has shown the highest success rates in achieving positive outcomes. However, for the small number of malignant insulinomas, surgery may be more extensive and involve removing a part of the liver if the tumor has spread.
Complications Associated with Surgical Procedures
Complications are an inherent risk of surgeries that involve extensive procedures. Some common complications include diabetes mellitus, acute pancreatitis, abdominal abscesses, and pancreatic fistula, which can lead to the leakage of pancreatic secretions. It is estimated that around 13% of individuals who undergo surgery require additional procedures as the initial operation may fail to completely remove the tumor.