The therapeutic role of octreotide in the management of surgical disorders.

The long-acting somatostatin analogue, octreotide, has recently been made available for clinical use in the United States. This novel synthetic peptide possesses a broad spectrum of physiologic actions primarily involving the inhibition of a variety of gastrointestinal and endocrine functions. Such actions have been utilized in the management of a variety of surgical disorders. Current understanding of the indications and efficacy of this agent in the treatment of surgical disease is reviewed.