穿线法套索固定冈上肌腱关节侧部分撕裂

[目的]介绍穿线法套索固定冈上肌腱关节侧部分撕裂的手术技术和初步临床结果。[方法] 2016年3月—2018年10月,对25例冈上肌腱关节侧部分撕裂患者采用关节镜下修复术,镜下探查肩盂关节及肩峰下间隙,必要时行适度肩峰成形,于盂肱关节内观察,腰穿针通过前外侧入路经冈上肌腱滑囊侧表面穿过关节侧撕裂部分近侧端两侧,将高强度线引入,形成套索,线尾分别穿出冈上肌腱滑囊侧,采用外排锚钉将高强度线固定于肱骨大结节。[结果]所有患者均顺利完成手术,术后无并发症发生。术后肩关节疼痛及活动功能均明显改善,VAS评分由术前(5.43±1.21)分显著下降至末次随访的(1.15±0.83)分(P0.05);ASES肩关节功能评分由术前(51.64±6.47)分显著增加至末次随访时的(89.32±5.27)分(P0.05);UCLA评分由术前(17.83±3.56)分显著增加至末次随访时的(32.31±1.45)分(P0.05)。[结论]对于冈上肌腱关节侧部分损伤的患者,采用关节镜下穿线法套索固定,能恢复肌腱张力,改善患肢功能,是一种有效的治疗方法。     

肩袖撕裂的解剖分层与治疗

肩袖主要包括冈上肌、冈下肌、小圆肌、肩胛下肌的肌腱,绝大多数肩袖撕裂发生在后方,现在一般研究都认为撕裂发生在冈上肌腱,而作者认为撕裂应发生在冈下肌腱和关节囊之间。在经过解剖与组织学研究后,可发现冈下肌腱前缘比冈下肌腱后缘有明显增厚,冈下肌腱前缘一直延弧形至结节间沟的位置,去掉冈上肌与冈下肌的肌肉成分,可发现冈下肌纤维素由后往前绕至前方。与过去研究相比,冈下肌的附着范围明显更大,且在临床病例中也符合冈下肌腱撕裂的特点,所以可发现大部分肩袖撕裂主要累及冈下肌腱。而且研究表明,撕裂并不是发生在冈下肌腱之内,且因为关节囊与肩袖的止点是一种互补关系,可发现撕裂层面应该存在于冈下肌腱与关节囊之间,其浅层主要是冈下肌腱,深层主要是关节囊。肩袖撕裂的修复,对于深层与浅层的缝合,可两层一起缝合或分层缝合,更建议分层缝合恢复解剖结构。应先修复深层(牵拉方向从内往外),再修复浅层(牵拉方向从后往前),修复后两层的力学方向应是交叉的,但修复过程中,并不需要做深层与肩胛盂之间的松解,避免损伤关节囊。     

关节镜下缝合锚钉加骨隧道缝合方法修复肩袖损伤

目的 探讨肩关节镜下缝合锚钉加骨隧道缝合方法治疗肩袖损伤的手术方法、技巧和疗效.方法 2007年2月-2009年2月,对32例不同类型的肩袖损伤患者,采用关节镜下缝合锚钉加肱骨大结节骨隧道缝合的方法修复肩袖.其中25例全层撕裂,5例滑囊侧部分撕裂,2例关节侧部分撕裂.16例发生于优势侧.术前均拍摄肩关节正位、肩袖出口位X线片,其中11例行MRI检查,21例行MRA检查.全部患者均行肩峰成形与肩峰下滑囊切除,肩袖修复采用单排锚钉固定加经骨隧道穿线缝合18例、双排锚钉加经骨隧道穿线固定14例.按照UCLA肩关节评分标准进行术前和术后功能评估.结果 32例患者获得3～23个月的随访,平均13.4个月.按照UCLA肩关节评分:术前平均为13.3分,术后为33.1分;其中优23例,良9例.术后21例疼痛完全消失,5例偶感轻微疼痛或不适,6例剧烈运动或特殊动作疼痛.24例肩关节活动完全正常.主动前屈及外展角度>150°26例,90°～120°6例.术后前屈及外展肌力M_5 25例,M_47例.所有患者最终对手术效果满意.结论 缝合锚钉加骨隧道穿线缝合是修复肩袖撕裂较好的方法,该技术固定牢靠、保证了肩袖-骨的正常愈合,特别适用于骨质疏松或翻修的病例,值得推广.     

关节镜下应用自体富集骨髓联合肩袖缝合术治疗冈上肌腱撕裂的临床疗效

目的探讨关节镜下应用自体富集骨髓联合肩袖缝合术治疗全层冈上肌腱撕裂的临床疗效。方法回顾我科2016年2月～2017年4月收治的28例全层冈上肌腱撕裂病例,均采用关节镜下应用自体富集骨髓联合肩袖缝合术治疗。采用Jobe试验、0°外展抗阻试验、坠臂试验,美国肩肘协会评分(ASES评分),Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分及患肩MRI对冈上肌腱愈合情况进行评估。结果术后3个月,Jobe试验、0°外展抗阻试验、Constant-Murley评分较术前均有显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05);而坠臂试验、ASES评分及冈上肌腱未愈合数较术前差异无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。术后6个月及术后1年,Jobe试验、0°外展抗阻试验、Constant-Murley评分、ASES评分及冈上肌腱未愈合数较术前均有显著改善,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05),而坠臂试验改善无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论关节镜下应用BMAC联合肩袖缝合术治疗冈上肌腱撕裂,术后关节功能恢复好,再撕裂率低,但远期效果尚需长期随访验证。     

冈上肌腱撕裂查体试验的诊断价值研究

目的:探讨6种常用查体试验对冈上肌腱撕裂的诊断价值,并评估这6种临床查体是否可以区分冈上肌腱部分或全层撕裂.方法:选择2017年6月至2020年9月因肩关节疾病行肩关节镜下手术治疗的91例患者,其中男49例,女42例;年龄31～68(50.8±11.0)岁;右侧70例,左侧21例.术前采用Hug-up试验、Jobe试验...     

肩袖关节侧部分撕裂的手术方式及疗效分析

目的探讨和分析关节镜下修补肩袖关节侧部分撕裂(PASTA)的手术方法,包括穿肌腱修补法和转全层修补法治疗Ellman 3级肩袖关节侧部分撕裂的疗效及优缺点。 方法本次回顾性研究,分析了2015年3月至2017年6月期间因肩袖关节侧部分撕裂于南京医科大学第一附属医院骨科行手术治疗的全部患者,肩袖撕裂程度Ellman 3级(排除Ellman 1级和2级)的病例纳入本次研究,共42例。术中关节镜下根据滑囊侧残留肩袖组织的完整性、质地和张力等情况进行评估后,按手术修补方式分为穿肌腱修补组(肌腱组)20例,和转全层修补组(全层组)22例。肌腱组患者术中保留滑囊侧残留的肩袖组织,采用穿肌腱法修补肩袖;全层组患者术中清除滑囊侧残留的肩袖组织,直接转为全层撕裂,然后进行单排固定修补肩袖。术前、术后24 h及末次随访时对所有入组患者采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)进行疼痛评估。术前及术后末次随访时采用Constant-Murley肩关节评分(CSS)及洛杉矶加利福尼亚大学评分(UCLA)对所有入组患者进行肩关节功能评估。对比分析两组患者术后疗效及并发症发生情况,计数资料(性别、优势手和肩部外伤史等)采用χ²检验,同一组内术前术后计量资料对比采用配对t检验。 结果42例患者均获得随访,随访时间6～30个月,平均(16±7)个月。两组患者术后24 h及末次随访时VAS评分均较术前明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。平均CSS评分从术前的(49.6±5.5)、(51.3±5.2)分别增加至(84.2±7.2)、(82.6±6.5),平均UCLA评分从术前的(18.4±3.2)、(17.7±2.3)分别增加至(32.1±2.2)、(31.2±2.2),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者术后24 h时疼痛评分对比存在差异,具有统计学意义(t＝2.8, P<0.05)。比较两组患者末次随访时的疼痛评分及肩关节功能评分,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访期间所有患者均未发生严重的术后并发症。 结论对于Ellman 3级的肩袖关节侧部分撕裂,关节镜下穿肌腱修补法和转全层修补法均可获得较满意的疗效,而穿肌腱修补法可以保留滑囊侧的肩袖组织,足印区的修补更加符合解剖基础,从而达到更好的腱骨愈合。在两种手术方法均可以熟练掌握的前提下,穿肌腱修补是更为理想的手术方式。     

镜下"中国结"修复冈上肌腱腹交界区撕裂

[目的]介绍镜下"中国结"技术修复冈上肌腱腹交界区肩袖撕裂的手术技术和初步临床效果.[方法]2020年2月-2021年1月采用"中国结"缝合技术治疗邻近腱腹交界区域肩袖撕裂患者14例,以爱惜邦缝合线在撕裂肩袖组织上呈倒三角分布编织"中国结"外观,适当张力下以外排锚钉固定,视情况结合"侧侧缝合"增强修复肩袖.[结果]14...     

肩袖部分撕裂的关节镜治疗

目的评估应用肩关节镜下冈上肌肌腱肱骨大结节止点重建术治疗EllmanⅢ级肩袖部分撕裂的临床疗效。方法本组15例(15侧),术前MRI提示肩袖损伤,术中关节镜均证实肩袖部分撕裂超过6 mm,其中关节侧9例(右肩6例,左肩3例),滑囊侧6例(右肩4例,左肩2例),全部滑囊侧及6例关节侧肩袖撕裂合并肩峰撞击征。全部病例均行关节镜下肩袖清创、带线锚钉冈上肌肌腱肱骨大结节止点重建,撞击征阳性病例同时行肩峰成形术。结果平均随访30个月(20～44个月),应用JOA评分标准进行肩关节功能评价,术前平均61.3分,术后94.5分(P0.01)。JOA评价体系中疼痛、功能、活动范围及肩关节提升部分明显优于术前,而外展力量、外旋及内旋部分评分则改善不明显。随访期末按JOA评价标准:优12例,良2例,可1例,术前存在肩峰撞击征的12例,末次随访评价撞击试验阴性。结论关节镜下冈上肌肌腱肱骨大结节止点重建术是治疗EllmanⅢ级肩袖部分撕裂的有效方法。     

关节镜缝合桥技术治疗Ellman Ⅲ级肩袖滑囊面部分撕裂的疗效分析

目的比较并分析关节镜下应用缝合桥技术直接修复与转全层修复治疗EllmanⅢ级肩袖滑囊面部分撕裂的临床效果。方法回顾性研究本组2010年3月至2012年10月采用肩关节镜下缝合桥技术治疗的EllmanⅢ级肩袖滑囊面部分撕裂的患者39例,术中在关节镜下对关节面肩袖组织的质地、张力等情况进行探查评估后选择手术修复的方式:直接修复组(A组)21例,转全层修复组(B组)18例。A组患者术中保留关节面较正常的肩袖组织,直接采用缝合桥技术修复肩袖;B组患者术中清除关节面质地差的肩袖组织转为肩袖全层撕裂,然后采用缝合桥技术行肩袖修补。术前及末次随访时对两组患者均采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)进行疼痛评估,运用美国肩肘外科评分(ASES)、Constant-Murley肩关节评分(CSS)、洛杉矶加利福尼亚大学评分(UCLA)及肩关节简易评分(SST)评定患侧肩关节功能恢复情况,并对两组患者术后疗效等进行比较分析。结果 39例患者均获得成功随访,随访时间24~52个月,平均32.4个月。末次随访时,直接修复组和转全层修复组患者平均VAS评分由术前的(6.1±2.1)、(6.5±1.5)分别改善至(0.8±0.4)、(1.2±1.2),平均ASES评分由术前的(45.8±13.7)、(41.4±12.3)分别增加至(93.3±3.0)、(90.5±7.3),平均CSS评分由术前的(43.1±13.8)、(39.1±8.6)分别增加至(81.6±5.0)、(81.5±7.4),平均UCLA评分由术前的(15.0±4.0)、(14.2±3.6)分别增加至(32.2±2.4)、(31.6±2.1),平均SST评分由术前的(4.8±1.4)、(4.7±1.0)分别增加至(9.1±0.9)、(9.1±1.3)分。同一组内术前与末次随访时比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组患者末次随访时的疗效比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结合患者满意度,按UCLA评分评定疗效:直接修复组,优6例、良13例、可2例,优良率90.5%;转全层修复组,优4例、良13例、可1例,优良率94.4%。所有患者无术中和术后并发症。结论关节镜下应用缝合桥技术直接修复与转全层修复治疗EllmanⅢ级肩袖滑囊面部分撕裂均可获得较满意的疗效,优良率可达90%以上。直接修复组和转全层修复组在疗效方面无统计学差异。     

双套索锁扣结错位缝合悬吊固定法修复膝关节内侧副韧带起点断裂

目的探讨双套索锁扣结错位缝合悬吊固定法修复膝关节内侧副韧带(medial collateral ligament,MCL)起点断裂的方法及疗效。方法 2008年2月-2009年2月,采用双套索锁扣结错位缝合悬吊固定法修复36例急性单纯MCL股骨内上髁附着点断裂。男21例,女15例;年龄17～58岁,平均40岁。左膝19例,右膝17例。车祸伤5例,摔伤11例,踢伤3例,挤压伤4例,扭伤13例。双膝关节应力位X线片示患膝关节内侧关节间隙较健侧增加6.5～13.5mm,平均11.2mm。受伤至手术时间为36h～8d,平均3.5d。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。31例获随访,随访时间12～20个月,平均15个月。随访期内无感染、下肢深静脉血栓、韧带再次断裂等并发症发生。术后12个月患膝关节内侧关节间隙较健侧增加1.5～5.6mm,平均3.5mm。术后疗效根据Lysholm标准评定:优20例,良11例,优良率为100%。结论双套索锁扣结错位缝合悬吊固定法修复MCL起点断裂具有损伤小,把持韧带纤维牢固,经骨隧道固定可靠,可早期恢复膝关节稳定性,并获得良好的功能恢复等优点。     

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 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.     

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.