体外循环术后早期氧动力学变化

目的：观察体外循环术后病人早期氧动力学变化。方法：１９例病人分别于术前、术毕及术后１２、２４、４８、７２和９６小时测定全身氧供给（ＤＯ２）、氧消耗（ＶＯ２）及氧摄取率（ＥｘｔＯ２）等。结果：存活与死亡两组病人术毕始ＶＯ２、ＥｘｔＯ２即明显增加，ＤＯ２升高不显著。２４小时后两组ＤＯ２均明显升高，存活组ＶＯ２、ＥｘｔＯ２恢复至术前水平，ＶＯ２对ＤＯ２呈非氧供依赖关系；死亡组则ＶＯ２、ＥｘｔＯ２仍显著增加，呈氧供依赖关系，且伴有血乳酸浓度升高。结论：氧供依赖关系的出现反映了组织氧债存在及微循环功能的失调。     

急性等容血液稀释对组织氧供氧耗的影响

目的：通过观察急性等容血液稀释（ＡＮＨＤ）时组织ＤＯ２、ＶＯ２的变化，寻找ＡＮＨＤ的生理极限。方法：１０只健康成年杂种犬，用戊巴比妥钠、维库溴铵静脉麻醉后行气管内插管，控制呼吸。每只犬进行三个水平即中度（ＨＤ１）、深度（ＨＤ２）、极深度（ＨＤ３）ＡＮＨＤ，然后回输自家血，测定血流动力学指标，动脉及混合静脉血气，动脉血乳酸等，以观察ＡＮＨＤ时ＤＯ２、ＶＯ２的变化。结果：ＨＤ１（ＨＣＴ＝１９．４３％±１．９７％），ＨＤ２（ＨＣＴ＝１４．７３％±０．９９％）时，ＤＯ２分别降低４２％和５２％，ＥＲＯ２分别升高４０％和８８％，ＣＩ升高４１％和４８％，而ＶＯ２只降低４．８％和５．２％，动脉血乳酸末升高。ＨＤ３（ＨＣＴ＝９．５０％±０．８８％）时，ＤＯ２降低７３％，ＥＲＯ２升高２００％，ＣＩ降低，ＶＯ２降低３５％，动脉血乳酸显著增加。回输自家血后，ＤＯ２、ＶＯ２及血乳酸均恢复。结论：中、深度ＨＤ时，ＤＯ２减少，ＶＯ２可通过增加ＥＲＯ２和ＣＩ代偿；极深度ＨＤ时ＶＯ２降低显著，出现无氧代谢，ＨＤ达极限。     

西宁地区感染性休克患者氧动力学的临床分析

为了解高原地区感染性休克患组织灌流及氧合情况，我们对西宁地区２５例感染性休克患采用了Ｓｗａｎ－Ｇａｎｚ导管及热稀释法心排量测定技术，将其整个病程中的氧动力学指标结果进行了回顾性分析。结果发现，全部患氧（ＤＯ２）及氧耗（ＶＯ２）均有不同程度增加，ＶＯ２对ＤＯ２出现病理性氧供依赖：成活组患ＤＯ２达到０．７Ｌ·ｍｉｎ＾－１·ｍ＾－２以上时，ＶＯ２的增加趋于缓慢，但未出现明显平台趋势，而死亡组呈持     

高张氯化钠右旋糖酐液在犬烧伤休克延迟复苏中的作用

目的从血流动力学、心肌力学及代谢等方面探讨高张氯化钠右旋糖酐液（７．５％氯化钠＋６％右旋糖酐７０，ＨＳＤ）在烧伤休克延迟复苏中的作用。方法采用犬３５％ＴＢＳＡⅢ度烧伤模型，伤后６ｈ分别用乳酸林格液及ＨＳＤ进行复苏，并以每ｈ尿量为１０ｍｌ／ｋｇ及心输出量为伤前值的７０％～８０％来调整输液速度及输液量，观察ＨＳＤ在复苏中容量负荷、左心室等容收缩期最大压力变化速率及左心室舒张期压力下降最大变化速率（±ｄｐ／ｄｔｍａｘ）、心脏指数（ＣＩ）、氧供给（ＤＯ２）及氧消耗（ＶＯ２）等的变化。结果ＨＳＤ在烧伤休克延迟复苏伤后第一个２４ｈ输液量比乳酸林格液复苏少３０５６％，其中复苏后４ｈ的输液量比乳酸林格液少５９５０％，在复苏后０５～２ｈ，＋ｄｐ／ｄｔｍａｘ、ＣＩ、ＤＯ２及ＶＯ２的增加幅度明显高于乳酸林格液复苏。结论ＨＳＤ在烧伤休克延迟复苏中具有容量负荷小、改善心肌功能及促进组织代谢等作用。     

静脉注射不同剂量异丙酚对血流动力学及通气功能的影响

应用阻抗法和分气流监测法观察静脉注射不同剂量异丙酚（Ｐｒｏｐｏｆｏｌ，ＰＲＯ）后患者血流动力学（ＭＡＰ、ＮＲ、ＳＬＣＩ、ＩＦＩ、ＶＥＴ、ＥＶＩ、ＳＶＲＩ、ＩＣ、ＰＦＩ、ＬＳＷＩ）与通气功能（ＶＴ、ＲＲ、ＶＥ、ＦＥＶ１％、ＥＴＣＯ２、ＳＰＯ２、 Ｉ－ＥｔＯ２）的变化。 ４０例（ＡＳＡⅠ～ Ⅱ）随机分成四组，ＰＲＯ剂量分别为 １．０ｍｇ／ｋｇ、１．５ｍｇ／ｋｇ、２．０ｍｇ／ｋｇ、２．５ｍｇ／ｋｇ。结果：（１）１～４组呼吸暂停发生率为０％、２０％、３０％、８０％，苏醒时间分别为３ ０±１．５、７．４±２．３、９．１±３．６、９．６±４．２分钟：（２）静脉注射不同剂量ＰＲＯ启ＳＡＰ、ＤＡＰ、ＭＡＰ、ＳＩ下降，ＨＲ、ＣＩ、ＳＶＲＩ无明显变化，心肌收缩性（ＩＣ、ＰＦＩ、ＥＶＩ）明显减弱，ＳＶＲＩ减少；（３）ＰＲＯ对呼吸有抑制作用，以ＶＴ和ＶＥ影响最大，与剂量呈正相关；对面罩吸氧患者ＳｐＯ２、ＲＲ、ＥＴＣＯ２无明显改变，Ｉ－ＥｔＯ２减少；舌后坠者托起下颌对ＶＴ、ＶＥ的恢复颇为有效。     

心脏瓣膜置换术期间的氧代谢变化

目的：研究心脏瓣膜手术期间的氧代谢变化情况。方法：采用Ｆｉｃｋ原理对２４例择期瓣膜手术病人作研究。结果：在ＣＰＢ开始前阶段，ＤＯ２及ＶＯ２明显减低，Ｏ２ｅｘｔ无改变，ＳｖＯ２略有增高，血液酸碱状态呈代谢性酸血症方向发展。ＣＰＢ期间ＤＯ２及ＶＯ２进一步减少，Ｏ２ｅｘｔ明显降低，ＳｖＯ２异常增高，并需间断补充碱性药物纠正代谢性酸血症，５％碳酸氢钠平均输入量为５．８ｍｌ·ｋｇ－１·ｈ－１。ＣＰＢ后ＶＯ２较麻醉前显著增加达１８％～２２％。结论：ＣＰＢ前ＶＯ２减低与ＤＯ２不足和氧摄取利用受限有关；ＣＰＢ中ＶＯ２减低主要不是ＤＯ２不足而是组织对氧的摄取和利用受限所致；ＣＰＢ停止后ＶＯ２增加。消除血液稀释及维持较高心排血量对于保障此阶段的氧耗增高极为重要。     

重症心脏瓣膜置换患者围手术期氧耗与氧供关系

对１７例重症瓣膜患者围术期ＶＯ２与ＤＯ２关系的研究。结果：ＣＰＢＩ小时ＶＯ２与ＤＯ２相关良好（ｒ＝０．６０，Ｐ＜０．０１，ｎ＝１７）；ＣＰＢ停止后１８小时内相关仍存在（ｒ＝０．４５，Ｐ＜０．０１，ｎ＝１０２），但有个体差异，其中８例呈明显氧供依赖，另９例为非氧供依赖，后者ＡＢＬ呈两种不同的动态变化。上述提示，ＣＰＢ期间及停止后１８小时内氧供依赖均存在，都有个体差异。非氧供依赖不能排除组织缺氧存在。     

山莨菪碱对ARDS的氧输送及血流动力学改变的作用

早期、大剂量山莨菪碱治疗外科术后成人呼吸窘迫综合征（ＡＲＤＳ），观察病程第１￣４天氧输送与血流动力学等指标。治疗组用山莨菪碱＋常规治疗，对照组用常规治疗。结果：第２￣４天治疗组Ｃｌ、ＤＯ２、ＶＯ２、Ｏ２Ｅｘｔ、ＰａＯ２／ＦｉＯ２分别显著高于对照组（Ｐ〈０．０５）；Ａ－ａＤＯ２、ＰＶＲＩ显著低于对照组（Ｐ〈０．０５）。ＶＯ２与ＤＯ２呈直线相关（ｒ＝０．５８，Ｐ〈０．０５）。治疗组８例死亡１例，对照组     

重度蒸汽吸入性损伤后组织氧合的变化

采用蒸汽吸入造成实验犬急性肺损伤，探讨伤后心输出量（ＣＯ）、氧供量（ＤＯ_２）、氧耗量（ＶＯ_２）、氧摄取率（ＥＲＯ_２）、动脉和混合静脉血氧分压（ＰａＯ_２和ＰｖＯ_２）、动脉和混合静脉血氧饱和度（ＳａＯ_２和ＳｖＯ_２）、肺泡氧分压（Ｐ_ＡＯ_２）以及肺泡－动脉氧分压差（Ｐ_（Ａ－ａ）Ｏ_２）等变化。结果表明，蒸汽吸入４ｈ内，ＣＯ、Ｄ０_２、ＰａＯ_２、ＰｖＯ_２、ＳａＯ_２、ＳｖＯ_２、ＰＡＯ_２和ｐＨ值均显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０１）、Ｐ_（Ａ－ａ）Ｏ_２、ＥＲＯ_２和ＰａＣＯ_２均显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０１和０．０５），ＶＯ_２则无显著变化。提示，蒸汽吸入性损伤后２～４ｈ即可出现组织缺氧，其直接原因是组织灌注和供氧不足。     

重症瓣膜置换术患者围术期氧供,氧耗,氧摄取率和氧合状态的变化

目的：观察重症瓣膜置换术患者围术期氧供需平衡和氧合状态的变化。方法：监测２６例重症瓣膜置换术患者围术期氧供（ＤＯ２）、氧耗（ＶＯ２、氧摄取率（ＥＲＯ２）、混合静脉血氧饱和度（ＳｖＯ２）和动脉血乳酸含量（ＡＢＬ）的动态变化。结果：麻醉诱导后至ＣＰＢ前（ＤＯ２）、ＶＯ２、ＥＲＯ２均下降，ＳｖＯ２升高，与麻醉前比较差异显著或非常显著（Ｐ＜０．０５，Ｐ＜０．０１）。停ＣＰＢ后２０小时内ＤＯ２、ＶＯ２、ＥＲＯ２持续升高，停ＣＰＢ８小时内ＳｖＯ２持续下降，ＡＢＬ持续升高，与ＣＰＢ前时值差异显著或非常显著（Ｐ＜０．０５，Ｐ＜０．０１）。结论：停ＣＰＢ后氧供需平衡障碍、组织缺氧明显存在，且有在一定时间内加重的趋势。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.