Category Archives: Carcinoid Syndrome

What is Octreotide

Carcinoid Syndrome, Octreotide, Pancreatic fistulas, Prophylaxis, Somatostatin, Whipple

Octreotide

  • Sandostatin is the brand name – by Novartis
  • Mimics natural somatostatin pharmacologically
  • But is more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than somatostatin.
  • May be considered a treatment in carcinoid syndrome.
  • The prophylactic use of perioperative octreotide does not reduce the incidence of pancreatic fistula or complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple).  Reference:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1421155/ – article from the year 2000: Does Prophylactic Octreotide Decrease the Rates of Pancreatic Fistula and Other Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy?