Starr架辅助复位下前环钉棒系统联合经皮骶髂关节螺钉治疗Tile C1～C2型骨盆骨折

目的 探讨在Starr架辅助复位下前环钉棒系统联合经皮骶髂关节螺钉治疗Tile C1～C2型骨盆骨折的临床疗效。方法 2017年5月至2021年3月华北理工大学附属唐山市第二医院创伤骨科应用Starr架辅助复位下前环钉棒系统联合经皮骶髂关节螺钉治疗17例Tile C1～C2型骨盆骨折患者，其中男11例，女6例；年龄20～58岁，平均(39.0±9.7)岁；按照Tile分型，其中C1型12例，C2型5例。记录患者手术时间、术中出血量、围手术期并发症、切口愈合情况、骨折愈合及负重锻炼时间。术后依据Matta影像学评分标准对骨折复位情况进行评价，根据随访时影像学检查评估骨折愈合情况，末次随访时采用Majeed评分评价骨盆骨折康复情况。结果 所有患者均顺利完成手术，手术时间为80～150 min,平均(90.5±11.1) min;出血量80～200 mL,平均(150.6±12.3) mL。术中骨折或脱位均获得良好复位，骨盆前环使用6.5 mm椎弓根钉及连接棒固定，后环使用6.5 mm骶髂关节螺钉固定，其中S₁骶髂关节螺钉8例，S₂骶髂关节螺钉9例...     

骶髂关节螺钉联合前环耻骨支螺钉在Tile B型骨盆骨折中的应用

目的 :探讨微创经皮骨盆前环耻骨支螺钉固定在Tile B型骨折中的应用及疗效。方法 :回顾性分析自2010年5月至2015年8月收治的骨盆后环损伤伴前环耻骨支、坐骨支骨折患者56例,其中男31例,女25例;年龄35~65岁,平均36.8岁。按Tile分型:B1型13例,B2型28例,B3型15例。26例采用骶髂螺钉联合外固定架治疗(外固定架组),30例采用骶髂螺钉联合前柱螺钉治疗(耻骨支螺钉组),从术中出血量、术后并发症、术后下地时间、骨折愈合情况、Majeed骨盆功能评分和视觉模拟评分(visual aualogue scale,VAS)等方面进行对比分析。结果:54例获得随访,时间3~24个月,平均12个月,两组术中出血量比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),耻骨支螺钉组术后下床时间、骨折愈合时间明显短于外固定架组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。耻骨支螺钉组术后平均Majeed及VAS评分明显高于外固定架组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。耻骨支螺钉组并发症发生率明显低于外固定架组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 :骶髂螺钉联合经皮耻骨支螺钉在治疗骨盆后环损伤伴前环耻骨支、坐骨支骨折的Tile B型骨盆骨折中具有术后下地时间早、疼痛减轻、并发症少等优点,是一种有效安全的治疗方法,能提高术后肢体功能,且有效减少术后并发症的发生。     

CT引导下经皮骶髂螺钉固定治疗Tile C型骨盆骨折

目的 评价CT引导下应用经皮骶髂螺钉固定治疗Tile C型骨盆骨折的安全性及疗效.方法 回顾性分析在CT引导下经皮骶髂螺钉固定治疗19例Tile C型骨盆骨折.结果 术后螺钉位置良好,均无医源性血管、神经损伤,骨不连及螺钉移位现象.根据Majeed评定:优15例,良4例.结论 CT引导下经皮骶髂螺钉固定技术是一种治疗T...     

外固定架联合骶髂螺钉治疗Tile C型骨盆骨折疗效分析

目的 探讨外固定架联合骶髂螺钉治疗Tile C型骨盆骨折的疗效及优越性.方法 对19例Tile C型骨盆骨折复位后用骶髂螺钉固定后环,髋臼上方单根钉外固定架复位固定前环.采用Tornetta标准对骨折复位进行评估,Maieed标准进行功能评分.结果 术后采用Tornetta标准对骨折复位进行评估:优11例,良6例,可2...     

经皮骶髂螺钉与切开复位重建钢板内固定治疗Tile B、C型骨盆骨折的疗效比较

目的比较经皮骶髂螺钉与切开复位重建钢板内固定治疗Tile B、C型骨盆骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-01—2017-12诊治的52例Tile B、C型骨盆骨折,26例行经皮骶髂螺钉内固定(经皮组),26例行切开复位钢板内固定(切开组)。比较2组手术时间、术中失血量、切口长度、住院时间、骨折愈合时间、并发症发生率、术后骨折复位情况、术后3个月患者康复情况。结果 52例均获得随访,随访时间平均18(12～24)个月。与切开组比较,经皮组手术时间、住院时间明显缩短,术中失血量更少,切口长度更短,骨折复位质量更好,术后3个月Majeed评分更优,术后并发症发生率更低,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。结论与切开复位重建钢板内固定相比,经皮骶髂螺钉内固定治疗Tile B、C型骨盆骨折创伤更小,骨折复位程度更优,患者功能恢复更好,符合快速康复理念,值得临床推广应用。     

经皮骶髂关节空心螺钉内固定联合支架外固定治疗骨盆骨折的临床效果分析

目的:探讨经皮骶髂关节空心螺钉内固定联合支架外固定在骨盆骨折中的临床疗效.方法:选取2015年1月-2017年1月佳木斯大学附属第一医院骨外二科收治的经皮骶髂关节空心螺钉内固定联合支架外固定治疗的40例患者(内外固定组),同期收治的采用开放手术治疗的40例骨盆骨折患者(开放手术组)作对照.术后,观察分析两组患者的手术相关指标、Majeed功能评分、临床疗效以及术后并发症发生情况.结果:内外固定组患者的手术时间、术后下床时间均显著短于开放手术组,术中出血量显著少于开放手术组,Majeed功能评分显著高于开放手术组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).内外固定组患者的治疗总有效率为90.0％(36/40例),显著高于开放手术组的65.0％(26/40例),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).内外固定组患者的术后并发症发生率为7.5％(3/40例),显著低于开放手术组的20.0％(8/40例),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),术后并发症主要有感染、骨关节炎、下肢深静脉血栓.结论:经皮骶髂关节空心螺钉内固定联合支架外固定相较于开放手术,能够有效缩短手术时间、减少术中出血量、提高治疗优良率及降低术后并发症发生率,值得在临床上推广应用.     

髂骨钉棒固定治疗单侧不稳定性DenisⅠ、Ⅱ区骶骨骨折

目的探讨后路髂骨钉棒固定治疗单侧不稳定性DenisⅠ、Ⅱ区骶骨骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2016年3月至2018年10月治疗50例单侧不稳定性DenisⅠ、Ⅱ区骶骨骨折患者资料。根据置钉及固定方式分为髂骨钉棒固定组(简称髂骨钉棒组)和机器人辅助骶髂螺钉置入组(简称骶髂螺钉组),其中髂骨钉棒组20例,男13例,女7例,年龄(41.10±14.07)岁(范围,22~76岁);骶骨骨折Denis分型,Ⅰ型5例,Ⅱ型15例;均合并骨盆前环损伤,骨盆Tile分型,B1型2例,B2型12例,C1型6例;3例合并骶神经损伤,Gibbons分级Ⅱ级。骶髂螺钉组30例,男18例,女12例;年龄(44.70±13.35)岁(范围,16~78岁);骶骨骨折Denis分型,Ⅰ型6例,Ⅱ型24例;均合并骨盆前环损伤,骨盆Tile分型,B1型2例,B2型20例,C1型8例;4例合并骶神经损伤,Gibbons分级,3例Ⅱ级,1例Ⅲ级。两组患者年龄、手术时间、术中出血量、透视次数、Majeed评分比较采用独立样本t检验;骨折复位质量比较采用卡方检验;骶神经损伤恢复Gibbons分级比较采用秩和检验。结果两组患者均获得随访,随访时间22.8个月(范围,12~40个月)。髂骨钉棒组手术时间(41.40±7.30)min;术中出血(105.00±61.94)ml;术中透视(19.10±7.33)次;根据Mears和Velyvis影像学评价标准,9例解剖复位,10例复位满意,1例复位不满意;Majeed评分(84.25±8.29)分;术前3例GibbonsⅡ级骶神经损伤,术后2例恢复为Ⅰ级。骶髂螺钉组手术时间(18.27±5.89)min;术中出血(33.00±17.54)ml;术中透视(14.93±4.49)次;术后15例解剖复位,13例复位满意,2例复位不满意;Majeed评分(86.43±7.43)分;术前3例GibbonsⅡ级骶神经损伤,其中2例术后恢复为Ⅰ级,术前1例Ⅲ级损伤,术后恢复为Ⅱ级。与骶髂螺钉组比较,髂骨钉棒组手术时间长(t=-12.36,P<0.001)、出血量多(t=-6.04,P<0.001)、透视次数多(t=-2.50,P=0.016),以上各指标比较差异均有统计学意义。术后髂骨钉棒组与骶髂螺钉组在骨折复位质量(χ^2=0.23,P=0.89)、Majeed评分(t=0.97,P=0.34)、Gibbons分级(Z=-0.224,P=0.82)比较,差异均无统计学意义。术后髂骨钉棒组1例发生单侧伤口表浅感染,1例诉钉尾部不适;骶髂螺钉组1例发生S1神经损伤。结论对于单侧不稳定性DenisⅠ、Ⅱ区骶骨骨折且不适合使用骶髂螺钉固定者,采用后路髂骨钉棒固定操作简单,术后疗效满意,与使用机器人辅助骶髂螺钉固定相似。     

地震伤骨盆骨折后环不稳的微创治疗

目的 探讨地震伤骨盆骨折后环不稳微创治疗的技术要点及疗效.方法对9例地震伤骨盆骨折后环不稳,采用前环钢板内固定后环在C型臂X线机引导下经皮微创置入骶髂空心拉力螺钉内固定.结果 骨盆骨折后环不稳患者在C型臂X线机引导下经皮微创置入骶髂空心拉力螺钉内固定,疗效满意.结论 掌握经皮骶髂关节置钉技术要点,采用骶髂拉力螺钉微创固...     

CT引导下空心拉力螺钉内固定治疗骶髂复合体损伤

目的　探讨在CT引导下经皮微创技术置入松质骨拉力螺钉内固定治疗骶髂关节复合体损伤的可行性。方法　选择 36例Tile -Mueller分类B型和C型骨盆骨折患者 (同时存在旋转和垂直不稳定 )前环复位用重建钢板固定后 ,在CT引导下经皮微创技术置入拉力螺钉复位固定骶髂关节。结果　 36例在CT引导下经皮置入骶髂关节螺钉成功 ,经近 2年随访该方法固定牢靠 ,无并发症 ,功能恢复满意。结论　CT引导下经皮置入空心拉力螺钉是治疗骶髂关节复合体损伤的最好方法之一     

钉棒系统治疗不稳定型骨盆骨折的疗效

目的探讨应用钉棒系统治疗不稳定型骨盆骨折的临床疗效。方法采用钉棒系统内固定治疗23例不稳定型骨盆骨折患者。对Tile B型骨折采用骨盆前环的钉棒皮下内固定,对Tile C型骨折加用后路钉棒内固定或骶髂关节螺钉内固定。术后采用Matta标准评价骨盆骨折复位情况,采用Majeed评分系统评价临床疗效。结果前路手术时间20～30 min,术中出血量17～22 ml;后路手术时间45～75 min,术中出血量115～180 ml。23例患者均获得随访,时间6～27个月。患者均无深部感染、医源性神经损伤、内固定松动及断裂等并发症发生。手术切口全部甲类愈合,未出现骶尾部皮肤压疮、坏死。术后X线片根据Matta标准评定骨盆骨折复位情况:优13例,良6例,可4例。术后6个月按Majeed评分评价临床疗效:优14例,良6例,可2例,差l例。结论椎弓根钉棒系统治疗不稳定型骨盆骨折具有操作简便安全、创伤较小、并发症少的优点,患者可早期负重,功能恢复良好,临床疗效满意。     

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.