Feedback-controlled dextrose infusion during surgical management of insulinomas

Am J Med. 1979 Apr;66(4):675-80. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(79)91183-5.

Abstract

Through the use of a feedback-controlled dextrose infusion system, we obtained continuous monitoring of the blood glucose level in a patient undergoing surgery for multiple pancreatic beta-cell tumors. In addition, this device infused dextrose at variable rates to maintain a predetermined euglycemic level of 90 mg/dl. Before locating the source of excessive insulin production, the maximum dextrose infusion rate of 400 mg/min was required; but after extirpation of multiple insulinomas, the dextrose-infusion rate declined whereas the blood glucose level rose above the preselected level. These results emphasize the usefulness of a monitoring and infusion system not only in protecting the patient from the hazard of hypoglycemia under anesthesia but also as an aid in determining whether all insulin-secreting tumors have been removed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / diagnosis
  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Feedback
  • Female
  • Glucose / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucose