Octreotide is an analogue of somatostatin. It is used to provide relief from symptoms associated with carcinoid tumours and acromegaly. It may also be used for the prevention of complications following pancreatic surgery. For patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, the peri- and post-operative administration of octreotide reduces the incidence of typical post-operative complications (e.g. pancreatic fistula, abscess and subsequent sepsis, post-operative acute pancreatitis). Octreotide exerts an inhibiting effect on gallbladder motility, bile acid secretion and bile flow, and there is an acknowledged association with the development of gallstones in prolonged usage.