The ‘closed technique insulinoma surgery’ successfully performed at the General Surgery Clinic of Private Egekent Hospital in Denizli by Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur BİRSEN has once again given hope to patients. Thanks to this advanced method performed laparoscopically, the mass in the tail of the pancreas of 31-year-old Çiğdem Adanalı was completely removed.
Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY, faculty member of PAÜ Hospitals General Surgery Department and physician at Private Egekent Hospital, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Birsen performed a laparoscopic pancreas surgery on 31-year-old Çiğdem Adanalı in Denizli.
Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY, who performed the surgery, stated: “Our patient had applied to the doctor with sudden complaints such as fainting, palpitations, and weakness. During the examinations, it was determined that her blood sugar had dropped below 40. In a healthy individual, blood sugar does not drop below 90, at worst it drops to 80, but values below this are considered hypoglycemia and the cause must definitely be identified. Examinations revealed a mass in the patient’s pancreas. It was determined that this mass was producing insulin uncontrollably and causing the patient’s complaints. After further evaluations, surgery was decided together with the patient. Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, which can only be performed in a few centers worldwide, was planned. With the closed method, the surgery lasted about 2 hours and the mass in the patient’s pancreas was removed. Shortly after the surgery, our patient was able to walk with very little pain and began eating the next day. With no problems observed during follow-ups and all complaints resolved, our patient was discharged from our service 2 days after the surgery. With this surgery, the patient’s treatment was completed, and there was no need for medication support.”
INSULINOMA IS A DISEASE SEEN IN ONE IN 4 MILLION
Emphasizing that insulinoma is a rare disease, Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY said: “It is not a common condition; it occurs in about one in 4 million people. In Turkey, only about 5 or 6 patients are diagnosed with this disease each year, and only certain surgeons perform surgery on these patients. I have been performing closed pancreatic surgeries from the simplest to the most complex for years, and since 2001, I have operated on 16–17 patients with this condition in Denizli. In fact, I have contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of almost all patients with insulin-producing tumors in Denizli.”
THE ENTIRE TUMOR WAS REMOVED
Stating that such surgeries require an experienced team and technical infrastructure, Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY emphasized that Private Egekent Hospital has all the necessary facilities. He said, “The fact that this was a rare case, performed with a closed method, and carried out by an experienced team brought about a successful result. If any of these factors were lacking, the patient would neither be treated effectively nor be satisfied. From this perspective, experience is crucial,” highlighting that what patients look for most is experience.
MORE THAN 600 PANCREATIC TUMOR SURGERIES
Talking about the advantages of laparoscopic surgery, Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY said: “I have performed more than 600 pancreatic surgeries and cancer operations. Over time, I transferred my experience from open surgery to laparoscopic surgery. The closed method has many advantages: the patient experiences very little pain, does not stay in the hospital long, can eat and drink quickly, and returns home without problems. It is very advantageous but also technically difficult, and not every surgeon can perform it. We have been performing laparoscopic pancreatic surgery in Denizli for about 4–5 years. In this region, we also performed the first closed pancreatic surgery, including Whipple, which is the largest surgery in general surgery. Above all, these operations require advanced technology, special instruments, and excellent imaging systems. From this perspective, our hospital has a very strong infrastructure. Until now, we have successfully performed closed surgery techniques in procedures such as obesity surgery, colon, and stomach cancer surgeries. We will continue to perform these types of surgeries successfully in the future.”
After the surgery, 31-year-old Çiğdem Adanalı, who regained her health, stated that the surgery was very successful, she felt very well, and thanked Prof. Dr. Burhan KABAY, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur BİRSEN, and the entire team who carried out the operation.
Source: HaberDenizli