Article
Perioperative application of somatostatin analogues for pancreatic surgery – current status in Germany
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Published: | April 21, 2016 |
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Background: The most common major complication after pancreatic resection is the postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Somatostatin analogues can reduce postoperative fistulas, but the use of somatostatin analogues is still discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to assess treatment algorithms for pancreatic surgery in Germany with special focus on application of somatostatin analogues.
Materials and methods: A questionnaire evaluating the perioperative management- especially use of somatostatin analogues- and postoperative complications after pancreatic surgery was developed and sent to 209 German hospitals performing >12 pancreatoduodenectomies per year (requirement for certification as a pancreas center). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 21.
Results: The final response rate was 72% (151/209). 14.5% of hospitals never, 37% always and 45% occasionally apply somatostatin analogues after pancreas resections. A drug of choice (standard) was defined in 64% of hospitals. Analyzing standard and occasional usage, hospitals favored Sandostatin (50%) > Octreotide (37%) > Somatostatin (32%) > Pasireotide (5%). In our preliminary analysis, a relation between the usage of the different somatostatin analogues and POPF was not seen. 87% of hospitals were interested to participate in somatostatin analogues related studies in the future.
Conclusion: This is the first national survey in Germany evaluating the perioperative application of somatostatin analogues for pancreatic surgery. Despite controversial results in literature, the majority of German pancreas surgeons apply somatostatin analogues preoperatively. The ideal drug to reduce POPF is still unclear. This uncertainty represents the significant interest of surgeons to participate in future studies to elucidate this issue.