study paused for interim analysis

This phase II/III trial compares the effect octreotide and the duration of antibiotic treatment has on outcomes in patients undergoing a Whipple procedure. A Whipple procedure is a surgery that may remove all or part of the pancreas, part of the intestines, stomach and gallbladder. Leakage from the pancreas due to damaged pancreatic ducts (fistula) is a major complication following pancreatic resection often delaying further treatment and increasing hospital stays. Antibiotics along with octreotide, which works by inhibiting pancreatic secretions, is standard treatment for a pancreatic fistula. This study will determine if the length of antibiotic treatment decreases the rate of fistulas and shortens hospital stays.

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients undergoing a Whipple procedure for various diagnoses (neuroendocrine tumors, adenocarcinoma, benign cystic neoplasms, duodenal and ampullary malignancies, etc) who are deemed intermediate-high risk as per our institutional protocol as shown above.
• Patients > 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria

• Negligible and low risk patients
• All patients undergoing arterial resection.
• Age <18 years
• Currently pregnant

Patients will be randomized on a 1:1 ratio to either somatostatin analogues with perioperative antibiotics vs. placebo with perioperative antibiotics