Nine patients with short bowel syndrome and high intestinal output received octreotide either intravenously (50-100 micrograms t.i.d.) or subcutaneously (100 micrograms b.i.d.) on 2 test days. In the 6 patients with net secretory output, there was a reduction in mean daily intestinal output of 0.5-5.0 kg; total daily intestinal output of sodium and potassium was also reduced significantly. Of the 3 patients with a net absorptive state, there was a worsening of output in 2 and no improvement occurred in the other. Two patients with net secretory output received long-term octreotide therapy, allowing a reduction in daily intravenous fluid intake of 1.0-1.5 litres.