The potent somatostatin analogue vapreotide does not decrease pancreas-specific complications after elective pancreatectomy: a prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Pancreatectomy can be complicated by pancreatic anastomotic leakage, causing major morbidity.


METHODS
Our aim was to determine if vapreotide, a potent long-acting somatostatin analogue, would decrease pancreas-related complications. This prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 275 patients without preexisting chronic pancreatitis undergoing elective proximal, central, or distal pancreatectomy. Complications were defined by objective criteria before beginning the study.


RESULTS
One hundred thirty-five patients received vapreotide; 140 patients received placebo. There were no statistically significant differences between vapreotide- and placebo-treated patients in either pancreas-related complications (30.4% versus 26.4%, respectively) or in other complications not directly related to the pancreas (40% versus 42%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
The potent somatostatin analogue vapreotide does not appear to decrease postoperative complications after major pancreatectomy in patients without chronic pancreatitis.
Sarr
Micheal G
MG
Gastroenterology Research Unit (AL 2-436), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
C051458:vapreotide; D013004:Somatostatin