Redo surgery for persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy in the age of laparoscopic pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND

Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) is a rare disease but the most common cause of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia, often requiring early pancreatectomy. In cases of persistent/relapsed hypoglycemia, redo surgery may be necessary.

OBJECTIVES

We report our experience with the redo of laparoscopic pancreatectomy at a tertiary healthcare center.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary health care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the patients who underwent redo laparoscopic pancreatectomy between March 2004 and April 2021. Demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Descriptive data were generated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Feasibility and safety of the procedure. Success in controlling the PHHI.

SAMPLE SIZE

82 patients.

RESULTS

We managed 82 patients with PHHI by pancreatectomy, 11 of whom (6 boys and 5 girls) required redo procedures to control hypoglycemia, with 2 needing 2 redo procedures. The mean age during the redo procedure was 21 months. The redo procedures were performed at a mean duration of 15.5 months after the primary pancreatectomy. All patients exhibited the histologically diffuse type. The mean follow-up was 7 years. All cases were managed successfully after the redo procedures. Six patients were on medical treatment, 4 developed diabetes mellitus, and 1 became euglycemic). Two patients developed severe pancreatitis postoperatively, 1 required drainage of the infected collection and 1 developed thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, which was managed with anticoagulation medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Redo laparoscopic pancreatectomy is feasible, safe, and effective option for managing persistent or recurrent hypoglycemia after primary pancreatectomy in diffuse PHHI. Sufficient experience with laparoscopic pancreatectomy is required for redo surgeries.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design of the study may introduce bias.