Somatostatin prophylaxis following cephalic duodenopancreatectomy

Mar 1, 1995 | Magazine: Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

Beguiristain A, Espí A, Balen E, Pardo F, Hernández Lizoaín JL, Alvarez Cienfuegos J.

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the value of prophylactic somatostatin after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy. A randomized prospective study was undertaken using two groups of patients, one with prophylactic somatostatin (4.5 mg daily in continuous perfusion for 7 days postoperatively), known as group I, and group II, which did not receive somatostatin.

During a five-year period, from April 1989 to April 1994, we performed 35 duodenopancreatectomies, of which 21 belonged to group I and 14 to group II. We found a lower incidence of pancreatic anastomosis fistulae in group I (9.5% vs 35.7%; p < 0.05). We did not find any correlation between prophylaxis with somatostatin and the appearance of other complications or postoperative mortality.

The mean time of fistula closure in group I was 5 days while that of group II was 19.2 days. In conclusion, the administration of prophylactic somatostatin after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy reduces the incidence and duration of pancreatic fistula.

CITATION Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 1995 Mar;87(3):221-4

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