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.. 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. (C) 2003 by the American College of Surgeons.