进展期直肠癌肠系膜下动脉根部结扎及淋巴廓清的临床评价

目的 研究进展期直肠癌肠系膜下动脉（IMA）根部结扎和区域性淋巴廓清对患生存率的影响。方法 分析行肠系膜下动脉根部结扎的D3式淋巴廓清术69例和同期行非根部结扎根治术直肠癌56例。结果 肠系膜下动脉根部及腹主动脉周围淋巴结转移率为11.6%．肿瘤浸润深度pT3和pT4期发生转移明显增多。有肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移5年生存率为37.5％,明显低于无根部淋巴转移(70.5％);同时,行肠系膜下动脉根部结扎的D3式淋巴廓清术总的5年生存率为66.7％．明显高于非根部结扎的根治术(48.2％)。结论 对直肠癌根治术．强调行肠系膜下动脉根部结扎和近腹主动脉周围淋巴结清扫,对下部直肠癌加行侧方及全直肠系膜切除术,尤其对pT3和 pT4期患,能提高患5年生存率。     

进展期直肠癌淋巴结转移状况与根治术的关系

研究进展期直肠癌淋巴结转移状况,指导手术根治范围。方法：76例直肠癌患者行D3式根治术,按肿瘤旁、肠管纵轴和中枢方向行淋巴结分组,检测侧方和腹膜返折下直肠周围系膜转移淋巴结数,并计算淋巴结转移率。结果：肿瘤旁和肠管纵轴方向边缘动脉旁淋巴结转移率分别为39.5%和9.2%,肛侧端距肿瘤2cm未见转移;沿肠系膜下血管中枢方向淋巴结转移率为18.4%,而肠系膜下动脉(IMA)根部淋巴结转移率为10.5%;侧方淋巴结转移率为11.8%,腹膜返折下直肠周围系膜淋巴结转移率为12.5%。结论：进展期直肠癌可向肠管纵轴和中枢方向淋巴结转移。腹膜返折下直肠癌有侧方淋巴结转移并侵及直肠周围系膜,肿瘤浸润深度超过pT2期和低分化癌者淋巴结转移相应增多。宜行IMA根部结扎整块切除的D3式廓清术,腹膜返折下直肠癌力争行侧方淋巴结清扫和全直肠系膜切除术。     

侧方淋巴结清扫对进展期低位直肠癌预后的影响

目的 应用治疗指数(therapeutic index,TX)(TX=肿瘤相关5年生存率×区域淋巴结转移的概率)评估侧方淋巴结清扣对于改善进展期低位直肠癌预后的价值.方法 回顾性分析直肠癌行根治性切除+全直肠系膜切除+侧方淋巴结清扫的96例进展期低位直肠癌患者的临床资料.结果 进展期低位直肠癌直肠系膜淋巴结、直肠上动脉旁淋巴结、肠系膜下动脉旁淋巴结和侧方淋巴结转移率分别为21%(20/96),13%(12/96),10%(10/96)和15%(14/96).检出直肠系膜淋巴结、直肠上动脉旁淋巴结、肠系膜下动脉旁淋巴结和侧方淋巴结转移阳性的进展期低位直肠癌患者5年生存率分别为35%,25%,20%和36%.TX:清扫直肠系膜淋巴结和侧方淋巴结的TX分别为7.4和5.4,明显高于清扫直肠上动脉和肠系膜下动脉旁淋巴结的3.3和2.0.侧方淋巴结转移阳性者术后局部复发率为64%(9/14),TX明显高于侧方淋巴结转移阴性者的11%(9/82)(x2=22.308/P=0.000).Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,侧方淋巴结转移阳性患者平均生存期为(38.0±6.7)个月(95%置信区间:24.8～51.2个月),明显短于侧方淋巴结转移阴性的(80.9±2.1)个月(95%置信区间:76.7～85.1个月),两者差异有统计学意义. 结论侧方淋巴结清扫可降低进展期低位直肠癌根治性切除术后局部复发率以及改善预后.除全直肠系膜切除外,进展期低位直肠癌术中还应进行侧方淋巴结清扫.     

直肠癌术中从根部结扎肠系膜下动脉临床意义探讨

目的探讨直肠癌术中从根部结扎肠系膜下动脉的临床意义。方法回顾性分析华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院2000年1月至2005年12月499例肠系膜下动脉根部结扎的直肠癌临床病理资料。结果肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移率为14．4％。肿瘤分化程度为低分化腺癌、黏液腺癌或印戒细胞癌，肿瘤浸润深度达到pT3和pT4的直肠癌病人，其肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移率较高。结论低分化腺癌、黏液腺癌或印戒细胞癌，浸润深度达到pT3和pT4时，直肠癌肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移率较高，在行直肠癌根治手术时应行肠系膜下动脉根部结扎以提高5年存活率。     

肠系膜下动脉不同处理方式对直肠癌根治术影响的对比研究

目的探讨肠系膜下动脉（IMA）低位结扎与高位结扎并根部淋巴结廓清对直肠癌根治术的意义。方法对2007年5月—2008年5月收治的156例直肠癌患者进行回顾性分析,低位结扎组80例,高位结扎组76例。低位结扎组采用肠系膜下动脉低化结扎并根部淋巴结廓清,高位结扎组采用肠系膜下动脉高位结扎斤根部淋巴结廓清。比较两组IMA根部淋巴结转移率、淋巴结清扫数量、复发率、5年生存牢及并发症发病率,并进行统计学分析。结果低位结扎组IMA根部淋巴结转移率为15．0％,高位结扎组IMA根部淋巴结转移率为14．5％,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;对比两组术后复发率、5年生存率、吻合口瘘、性功能障碍和尿潴留的发病率,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;低位结扎组肠道功能恢复时间、低位直肠前切除综合征的发病率低于高位结扎组,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论肠系膜下动脉低位结扎并根部淋巴结廓清可达到直肠癌根治。与传统IMA高位结扎相比,对患苦的复发率、5年生存率及并发症发病率无影响。     

腹腔镜直肠癌手术中肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移的危险因素分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜直肠癌术中肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结(No.253淋巴结)的临床病理特点、转移的危险因素及其对患者预后的影响。方法:回顾分析2017年1月至2018年12月行腹腔镜直肠癌手术的432例患者的临床病理资料，并对肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移的影响因素进行单因素与多因素分析。术后随访，进行3年总生存率与无病生存率的log-rank检验分析。结果:肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移率为6.48%(28/432),No.253淋巴结阳性病例均有癌旁淋巴结转移。肠系膜下动脉根部转移患者的3年总生存率(57.14%vs. 86.38%,P<0.001)、3年无病生存率(50.00%vs. 81.43%,P<0.001)均低于无转移的患者。单因素分析显示，肿瘤距肛缘>7 cm(P=0.021)、CEA>5 ng/mL(P=0.006)、肿瘤直径>5 cm(P=0.039)、T₃～T₄分期(P=0.030)、低分化(P=0.026)、非管状腺癌(P=0.005)是No.253淋巴结转移的危险因素。Logistic多因素分析进一步...     

肠系膜下动脉根部结扎在直肠癌前切除术中的应用

目的 探讨肠系膜下动脉(IMA)根部结扎对直肠癌根治术的临床应用价值.方法 将2003年1月至2007年12月收治的173例直肠癌前切除术患者随机分成两组,其中根部结扎组85例,采用IMA根部结扎术及根部淋巴结廓清,非根部结扎组88例,采用IMA低位结扎及结扎部位淋巴结廓清.根部结扎组,比较两组患者的平均手术时间、淋巴结数及转移度、复发率、5年生存率、并发症发生率.结果 非根部结扎组的淋巴结数、淋巴结转移度、术后生存率明显低于根部结扎组,复发率则明显高于根部结扎组(P＜0.05);两组手术时间、并发症比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 IMA根部结扎及根部淋巴结廓清对直肠癌的治疗效果优于IMA非根部结扎及结扎部位淋巴结廓清,值得推广应用.     

直肠癌肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移的预测模型构建及准确性验证

目的构建直肠癌肠系膜下动脉(IMA)根部淋巴结转移的预测模型并验证其准确性。方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2019年3月行直肠癌手术的156例患者资料,所有患者均行IMA根部淋巴结清扫。统计分析采用SPSS 20.0软件,对与IMA根部淋巴结转移相关的临床病理因素进行单因素分析(采用χ^2检验)及多因素Logistic回归分析。并构建IMA根部淋巴结转移的预测模型,通过描绘受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)并计算曲线下面积(AUC)从而来评估模型的预测能力,P<0.05表示差异具有统计学意义。并以术后病理诊断结果为金标准对预测模型进行验证。结果在156例患者中,IMA根部淋巴结转移21例,转移率为13.5%;平均每例送检淋巴结为2.3个(1~9个),共送检淋巴结359个,其中有转移的淋巴结有72个,转移度为20.1%。多因素回归分析结果显示,肿瘤大小、pT分期、分化程度、是否有肝转移及术前血清CEA水平是IMA根部淋巴结转移的独立危险因素。根据Logistic回归分析各变量的回归系数构建预测模型,通过绘制ROC曲线,计算出AUC值为0.856(95%CI 0.825~0.886),当最佳临界值为2.49时对IMA根部淋巴结转移具有预测价值,此时该预测模型的灵敏度为90.21%,特异度为86.20%,约登指数为0.56。以术后病理诊断为金标准,验证预测模型,灵敏度为85.71%,特异度为99.26%,两者灵敏度和特异度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论基于Logistic多因素回归分析建立预测模型具有较高的灵敏度和特异性,对直肠癌肠系膜下动脉根部淋巴结转移的患者具有较高的预测价值,为临床实践提供一定的理论支撑。     

进展期低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的临床研究

目的 分析进展期低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的危险因素,探讨侧方淋巴结转移对局部复发及预后的影响.方法 回顾性分析行根治性切除+侧方淋巴结清扫的96例进展期低位直肠癌的临床资料,探讨侧方淋巴结转移与临床病理特征、局部复发和预后的相关性.结果 进展期低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移率为14.6%(14/96).肿瘤直径≥5 cm者侧方淋巴结转移率为25.0%,明显高于肿瘤直径＜5 cm者的7.1%(P＜0.05).侵犯肠壁周径1/4、2/4和3/4者侧方淋巴结转移率分别为6.3%、6.7%和12.0%,明显低于侵犯肠壁周径4/4者的70.0%(P＜0.05).低分化直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移率为30.0%,明显高于高分化和中分化直肠癌的4.5%和9.1%(P＜0.05).进展期低位直肠癌根治性切除术后局部复发率为18.8%(18/96).侧方淋巴结转移阳性者术后局部复发率为64.3%,明显高于侧方淋巴结转移阴性者的11.0%(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,侧方淋巴结转移阳性患者平均生存期为(38.0±6.7)个月,明显短于无侧方淋巴结转移的(80.9±2.1)个月(P＜0.05).结论 肿瘤直径、侵犯肠壁周径和肿瘤分化程度是进展期低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结转移的重要危险因素.侧方淋巴结转移与进展期低位直肠癌局部复发及预后密切相关.     

十二指肠乳头癌淋巴结转移特点与手术预后的关系

目的 探索十二指肠乳头癌(CPV)区域淋巴结转移特点与预后的关系,以指导CPV根治术中淋巴结的清扫.方法 回顾性分析东方肝胆外科医院2005年1月至2010年12月间94例行根治性胰十二指肠切除CPV区域淋巴结转移特点,分析与其预后相关的临床病理因素.结果 本组淋巴结转移率为46.8％,其中pT1、pT2、pT3和pT4期淋巴结转移率分别为15.4％(2/13)、62.7％(32/51)、80.0％(8/10)和100％(2/2).94例区域淋巴结中,胰十二指肠后组、胰腺钩突系膜组、肝十二指肠韧带组及肝固有动脉旁组淋巴结转移率依次为30.9％、21.3％、11.7％和6.4％.预后相关因素:肿瘤pT分期(P＜0.01)、十二指肠壁浸润(P=0.001)、肝转移(P=0.001)、胰腺浸润(P=0.004)、淋巴结转移(P＜0.01);各区域淋巴结转移:胰十二指肠后组淋巴结(P＜0.01)、胰腺钩突系膜组淋巴结(P＜0.01)、肝十二指肠韧带组淋巴结(P＜0.01)、肝固有动脉旁组淋巴结(P=0.010);预后独立危险因素:胰十二指肠后组淋巴结转移(P＜0.01)、胰腺钩突系膜组淋巴结转移(P＜0.01)、十二指肠壁浸润(P=0.019).结论 钩突系膜组淋巴结和胰十二指肠后组淋巴结均是CPV转移的第一站,均可独立影响CPV术后生存率.术中应重视该区域淋巴结的清扫,特别是保证完整切除胰腺钩突及系膜组织.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.