SST and pancreatitis: The mechanism by which hydrocortisone reduces pancreatic surgery complications is thought to be mediated through its anti-inflammatory effects on reducing postoperative pancreatitis and pancreatic fistulas.15,29 However, evidence from animal studies suggests that hydrocortisone also, like somatostatin analogs, reduces pancreatic secretion.30,31 Given this theoretical background, one must recognize that the exact mechanisms of somatostatin analogs and hydrocortisone in reducing the rates of pancreatic fistula remain unclear.