[Clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment of organic hyperinsulinism. Experience with 46 operated patients (author's transl)].

The clinical picture of organic hyperinsulinism is presented with reference to experience in 46 operated patients. For the recognition of disease, a careful history is a decisive contribution. The hunger test showed a characteristic hypoglycemic reaction in 100%; the tolbutamide test gave a positive result in 92%. Insulinomas could be localized angiographically in 71%; in one patient this could only be done with an ERCT. The treatment of choice is operation as soon as possible. If possible, enucleation is to be given preference over pancreas resection because of the low complication rate. A search for ectopic (2%) and multiple (12%) adenomas is important. A cure was achieved in 76% of all those operated on. The hospital mortality was about 4%.