Background: Pancreatic surgery is not uncommonly complicated by prolonged pancreatic drainage and fistula. Octreotide decreases pancreatic exocrine function and has been reported to improve closure of pancreatic and intestinal fistulae. This randomized, prospective trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative octreotide in reducing pancreatic drainage and complications after resection of neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas.
Methods: Patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas were entered into the study and randomized after operation to receive octreotide 150 micrograms subcutaneously every 8 hours or saline solution subcutaneously every 8 hours in a double-blinded fashion. Daily pancreatic drainage, total drainage, number of days to drain removal, and complications were recorded.
Results: Ten patients were given octreotide; eleven patients were given saline solution. The number of days to drain removal, daily drainage, and total drainage were not significantly different. Complications related to pancreatic drainage were not significantly different.
Conclusions: Octreotide is not indicated for the routine postoperative management of patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas.