肝移植术后胆管吻合口狭窄与胆管损伤的内镜观察及治疗

目的探讨肝移植术后吻合口狭窄与胆管损伤的关系及内镜治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2001年7月至2014年10月期间我院24例肝移植术后胆管造影诊断为吻合口狭窄患者的临床资料。结果 1 24例肝移植术后吻合口狭窄包括:Ⅰa型3例,Ⅰb型2例,Ⅱ型4例,Ⅲa型1例,Ⅲb型5例,Ⅲc型9例。2胆道镜及胆道子母镜观察见Ⅰa、Ⅲa型肝内胆管黏膜发红,吻合口处黏膜条状糜烂、溃疡并有融合;Ⅱ型肝内及吻合口处黏膜发红,无糜烂及溃疡;Ⅲb型肝内胆管黏膜广泛糜烂、溃疡,吻合口黏膜发红;Ⅰb、Ⅲc型肝内胆管及吻合口处黏膜广泛糜烂、溃疡,部分胆管黏膜呈片状、局灶性或全层坏死。3有17例吻合口狭窄经T管瘘道胆道镜治疗,取出铸型、狭窄处球囊扩张及塑料支架支撑2~6个月后狭窄解除、无复发。有1例Ⅰb型采用经皮肝穿刺胆管引流+经皮经肝胆道镜治疗,狭窄球囊扩张及塑料支架支撑,术后19个月进展为Ⅱ型狭窄;2例Ⅰa型经ERCP取出铸型,其中1例于术后5个月进展为Ⅱ型狭窄;2例Ⅱ型经ERCP球囊扩张及多枚塑料支架支撑3个月,其中1例于狭窄解除后1个月复发。该3例进展或复发患者再次经ERCP球囊扩张+多枚塑料支架支撑4~6个月,取出支架后2~5个月狭窄再次复发,经ERCP置入覆膜可回收金属支架支撑4~7个月后狭窄解除。有1例Ⅲb型及1例Ⅲc型经ERCP球囊扩张及多枚塑料支架支撑,术后并发胆系感染及黄疸,再次开腹胆道镜取出铸型,然后置入塑料支架支撑而治愈。结论肝移植术后胆管狭窄均伴有不同程度的胆管损伤,其中Ⅱ型最轻,Ⅰa、Ⅲa型次之,Ⅲb型较重,Ⅰb、Ⅲc型最重。胆道镜治疗肝移植术后吻合口狭窄疗效确切,ERCP不适用于Ⅰb、Ⅲb及Ⅲc型吻合口狭窄。     

逆行胰胆管造影在肝移植中的应用

目的探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)在诊断和治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症中的应用。方法对本院肝移植术后出现胆道并发症的16例患者进行ERCP检查,并根据情况分别行鼻胆管引流(ENBD)和/或内镜下乳头切开取石(EST)等治疗。结果ERCP确诊16例肝移植术后胆道并发症,发生率为9.47%,其中胆道结石6例,胆道狭窄3例,吻合口漏2例,胆道结石伴左肝管狭窄1例,吻合口胆漏伴胆道结石3例,1例示供受体胆管比例不一致,供体胆管相对狭窄,所有患者都得到有效治疗。结论内镜下ERCP是诊断和治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症的一种安全而有效的手段,可作为非手术治疗中的首选。     

手术结合纤维胆道镜治疗肝内胆管狭窄及肝内胆管结石的疗效分析

目的探讨手术结合纤维胆道镜治疗肝内胆管狭窄及肝内结石的疗效。方法通过T管窦道胆道镜球囊扩张治疗肝内胆管狭窄、取净肝内结石。结果81例肝内胆管结石患者合并肝内胆管狭窄43例，占53．09％；利用胆道球囊反复扩张，解除狭窄的成功率88．37％；取净结石的成功率100％。术后所有病例无严重并发症。结论纤维胆道镜治疗肝内胆管狭窄克服了外科手术的盲区，具有创伤小，治愈率高，并发症少，疗效确切的优点。内镜与手术的结合使肝内胆管狭窄的治疗取得了十分满意的疗效。     

胆道镜治疗肝移植术后肝内胆管阻塞40例

目的 探讨胆道镜在诊断及治疗肝移植术后肝内胆管阻塞的价值。方法 回顾性分析40例肝移植术后肝内胆管阻塞患者的资料。所有病例均经T管造影证实为肝内胆管阻塞伴狭窄，经T管途径扩张窦道并行胆道镜，再于X线透视下放管支撑。结果 29例疗效满意；8例得到控制；3例效果较差，接受了再次移植。结论 胆道镜治疗是肝移植术后肝内胆管阻塞的有效治疗方法。     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

原位肝脏移植术后胆道狭窄的病因分析与治疗方法

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析2006年5月至2008年9月间90例肝移植受者的临床资料,对术后发生胆道狭窄的病因和治疗方法进行了探讨.结果 90例肝移植受者中,术后有8例发生胆道狭窄并发症(8.89%),其中吻合口狭窄5例,非吻合口狭窄3例.吻合口狭窄中,有3例因炎症水肿引起狭窄,经内镜逆行胆管造影(ERC)球囊扩张或置入胆道支架治疗后痊愈;另2例因吻合口胆漏疤痕收缩导致狭窄,经ERC置入胆道塑料支架,1例狭窄消失,1例好转.3例非吻合口狭窄者,均为弥漫性肝内胆管狭窄,经ERC或经皮肝穿刺胆道造影(PTC),采用球囊扩张和胆道支架置入治疗效果不佳,2例行二次肝脏移植后获救,1例治疗无效死亡.结论 吻合口狭窄和非吻合口狭窄的病因对治疗的反应存在差异,因此,要重视肝移植术后胆道狭窄的病因诊断和分析.只要及时采取适当的治疗措施,均可有效地治疗肝移植术后胆道狭窄.     

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.