Abstract: Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic and laparotomy resection of insulinoma. Methods Clinical data of 51 cases of insulinnoma collected from July 2004 to Nov. 2013 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 cases who underwent laparoscopy (laparoscopic group) and 37 cases receiving laparotomy (laparotomy group). The operation time, volume of blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and complications were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the diameter of tumor [(1.55±0.66) cm vs (1.57±0.54) cm], volume of blood loss[(47.85±40.03) mL vs (57.89±34.73) mL], operation time[(177.30±63.00) min vs (161.38±51.91) min], and postoperative hospital stay[(13.0±5.39)d vs (15.97±8.91)d] in the laparoscopic group and laparotomy group. The laparoscopic group had 1 case of pancreatic fistula, while the laparotomy group had 3 cases of pancreatic fistula, 1 case of postoperative bleeding, 8 cases of abdominal effusion and 4 cases with other complications. The laparoscopic group had fewer complications than the laparotomy group (P<0.05). In postoperative follow-up, the laparoscopic group (3～65 months) had 1 case of recurrence (46 months), while the laparotomy group (6～69 months) had 2 cases (34.5 months). The recurrence time of the laparoscopic group was longer than that of the laparotomy group, but there was no statistical difference. Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of insulinoma located on the body or tail of pancreas is a safe and effective surgical approach, with fewer complications, shorter postoperative hospital stay and longer recurrence time than traditional laparotomy.

Key words: Insulinoma, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Prognosis