Effectiveness of somatostatin on malignant bowel obstruction in patients with inoperable carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of somatostatin(Stilamin)in malignant bowel obstruction(MBO)due to inoperable carcinoma.Methods:Retrospective analysis was carried out among 64 patients with MBO due to inoperable carcinoma from June,2003 to June,2008.These patients were divided into two groups:routine therapy(control,n=30)and Stilamin(n=34)groups.The patients received routine therapy alone(control),or combined with continuous infusion of Stilamin during 24 h(6 mg·d-1)for 3~15 days.The effects in the two groups were observed and compared.Results:The clinical symptoms of abdominal distention and abdominal pain were significantly relieved in Stilamin group as compared with the control group(85.3% vs 56.7%,P0.05).The rate of exhaust of anus was higher(73.5% vs 36.7%,P0.05),and the average volume of gastrointestinal decompression reduced more rapidly [(241±142)mL·d-1 vs(525±176)mL·d-1,P0.01)in Stilamin group than in control group.The achievement rate of expectant treatment was significantly higher(82.4% vs 63.3%,P0.05),and the length of stay was significantly shorter [(8.0±4.3)d vs(13.0±4.8)d],P0.05)in Stilamin group than in control group.The quality of life(59±5 vs 47±7,P0.01),evaluated with Karnofsky score,was significantly improved in Stilamin group.Conclusion:Somatostatin combined with routine therapy is effective in the management of MBO due to inoperable carcinoma.It can effectively relieve the symptoms of MBO and improve the quality of life in patients.