The potent somatostatin analogue vapreotide does not decrease pancreas-specific complications after elective pancreatectomy: a prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

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Sarr MG

J Am Coll Surg. 2003 Apr;196(4):556-64; discussion 564-5; author reply 565.

PubMed ID

12691930 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pancreatectomy can be complicated by pancreatic anastomotic leakage, causing major morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: 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.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs: Vapreotide