经胸骨上段行颈胸段脊柱前路手术

[目的]探讨经胸骨上段行颈胸段脊柱前路手术的方法和临床效果。[方法]自1999年8月~2006年2月共治疗11例颈胸段病变患者,男8例,女3例;年龄17~67岁,平均41.5岁。病变类型:创伤、肿瘤和结核各4、6和1例。病变节段:T3、C7~T1和T1、2各1例,C7和C6~T1各2例,4例T1。手术取颈胸部联合切口,劈开胸骨上段,显露颈胸段椎体,切除肿瘤或病变椎体、脊髓减压、重建脊柱的稳定性和内固定。脊髓神经功能按Frankel分级评定。[结果]术后随访10~56个月,平均31个月。1例术后第2 d出现乳糜漏约50 m l,引流2 d后自愈。1例出现暂时性声音嘶哑。术后脊髓功能均有不同程度恢复。无骨不融合及内固定失败,脊柱稳定性好。[结论]经胸骨上段行颈胸段脊柱前路手术显露满意,创伤小,手术操作安全,并发症少,可满足颈胸段椎管前方减压、植骨融合及内固定术。应注意避免喉返神经和胸导管的损伤。     

经改良的胸骨柄入路治疗上胸椎病损

[目的] 探讨经改良胸骨柄入路行上胸段脊柱前路手术的方法和临床疗效.[方法]自2004年5月～2009年12月共治疗10例上胸椎病变患者,男6例,女4例,年龄12～58岁,病变类型:结核6例,创伤1例,肿瘤3例,病变部位:T1 1例,T2 3例,T3 3例,T2.3 3例.均采用经改良的胸骨柄入路,显露上胸椎椎体,切除肿瘤或病变椎体,减压,植骨内固定.[结果]术后随访6～60个月,平均31个月.1例术后肿瘤全身转移衰竭死亡.余9例脊髓功能均有不同程度恢复.[结论]经改良的胸骨柄入路行上胸椎前路手术显露满意,创伤小,手术操作安全,并发症少.     

三种方法治疗颈胸交界处椎体病变

目的应用三种不同术式治疗颈胸交界处椎体病变,观察其疗效并进行对比,探讨其手术适应证及优缺点。方法应用经胸骨柄前入路、后侧方关节突切除及前后联合入路治疗颈胸交界处椎体病变26例。结果经胸骨柄前入路的12例中出现喉返神经损伤2例,后侧方关节突切除入路的10例中出现急性脊髓损伤2例,经术后大剂量激素冲击治疗后恢复,前后联合入路治疗4例。所有患者术中无大血管、气管、食管、胸导管意外损伤,患者均得到随访,平均3.6年,未出现内固定钢板螺钉断裂、退出等并发症,未出现术区椎管再狭窄、脊柱畸形等,植骨均骨性愈合,无假关节形成。神经功能按Frankel分级均有1级以上的改善。结论掌握手术适应证,根据不同的病种,需要减压的范围或切除病变椎体的部位,脊柱重建所要达到的强度,患者对手术的耐受程度等几方面去选择合理的个体化手术方案,从而达到有效治疗的目的。     

MRI测量对上胸椎肿瘤手术入路选择的意义

目的：探讨术前MRI测量对上胸椎肿瘤前路切除手术入路选择的意义。方法：对8例上胸椎肿瘤患者术前进行MRI检查，在MRI矢状位图片上经胸骨切迹作与胸骨柄纵轴相垂直的线P，经病变椎体尾侧紧邻正常椎体的上、下终板作两个终板的切线E1和E2，分别记录P与脊柱相交的椎体水平及E1、E2与胸骨相交的椎体水平。P经过病变椎体远侧正常椎体，E1和E2经过胸骨切迹或其上方者采用低位颈前切口；E2经过胸骨柄上部者采用部分胸骨和／或部分内侧锁骨切除入路。P经过病变椎体或E1和E2经过胸骨柄中下部者采用后外侧经胸腔人路完成手术。结果：7例患者P经过病变椎体远侧正常椎体，其中4例E2经过胸骨切迹或其上方者有3例通过低位颈前切口完成了肿瘤的前路切除，1例显露不佳，切除少量左侧锁骨内侧部分增加显露后完成手术；3例E2经过胸骨柄上部者采用部分胸骨和／或部分内侧锁骨切除人路完成手术。1例P经过病变椎体，E1和E2经过胸骨柄中下部者采用后外侧经胸腔人路完成手术。未出现与手术相关的血管和神经损伤等并发症，3个月随访时内置物无松动、移位和断裂。结论：术前MRI测量有助于选择适当的手术入路，并可帮助判断肿瘤切除后胸椎前路的融合固定方式。     

颈胸交界处肿瘤28例诊治体会

目的探讨外科治疗颈胸交界处肿瘤的临床疗效。方法 2008年1月～2019年3月我院胸外科收治的颈胸交界处肿瘤病人28例。所有病人均行手术治疗,其中高后外侧切口径路5例,前径路L形切口入路15例,颈部低位领式切口6例(转胸骨切开入路1例),胸腔镜入路2例。7例肺上沟瘤病人行肺叶切除和淋巴结清扫术,其中5例合并部分胸壁切除,3例受侵袭椎体的部分切除,1例锁骨下动脉修补;另3例肺上沟瘤行姑息性切除。结果 6例胸骨后甲状腺肿、6例神经纤维瘤、2例支气管源性肿瘤、1例食管癌和3例复发性甲状腺癌均得到根治性切除。1例上肢肿胀,2周后消失;3例肺部感染和1例切口感染治愈后出院。1例Horner综合征、2例喉返神经损伤。结论颈胸交界处病变的显露通常较为困难,采用外科治疗要重视手术入路的选择,但不是某一个手术入路适用于所有的颈胸交界处肿瘤,有时需要两种入路的配合。     

经前路部分切除胸骨上端入路手术治疗上胸椎病变

【摘要】 目的：探讨经前路部分切除胸骨上端行上胸段脊柱前路手术的方法和临床效果。方法：2005年7月～2010年9月采用胸骨上端部分截骨前入路手术治疗17例上胸椎病变患者,男8例,女9例;年龄27～77岁,平均57.7岁。T3动脉瘤样骨囊肿2例,T2~T3结核7例,T3~T4结核3例,T2骨巨细胞瘤2例,T3骨巨细胞瘤2例,T2软骨肉瘤1例。术前分析上胸椎矢状位CT片,确定手术需要显露的范围。半月形去除胸骨柄上部部分骨质,保留两侧胸锁韧带,从头臂动脉内侧窗或外侧窗显露病变部位,行病灶清除或切除、植骨或重建内固定。记录患者术中及术后并发症情况,随访治疗效果。结果：17例患者经部分切除胸骨上端前入路均顺利完成手术,对上胸椎病灶显露良好。3例患者术中出现心跳缓慢、低血压或气道阻力增加,去除牵拉后很快恢复。手术时间2~3h,出血量200～700ml,平均400ml。术后1例患者出现短暂性声音嘶哑,术后2个月痊愈;无其他并发症发生。随访17~27个月,平均22.7个月,植骨均获骨性融合,颈胸段生理弧度恢复,无内固定失败,脊柱稳定性好。17例患者术后神经症状均有所改善。结论：部分切除胸骨上端前入路可以在完整保留胸锁关节下有效显露T2~T4范围,操作简易,并发症少,是处理上胸椎病变较理想的入路。     

颈胸交界处病变的颈前路手术治疗

[目的]探讨颈胸交界处病变的颈前路治疗的手术方式和疗效.[方法]自1997年8月～2008年11月期间22例颈胸交界处病变的患者,采用经颈前路不劈开胸骨的手术路径,暴露病变的颈胸椎交界处(C6-T5),对病变进行清除、减压、植骨内固定.22例病人,其中椎体结核5例,椎管狭窄8例,椎体发育不良1例,肿瘤5例,创伤3例,年龄在13～74岁,平均32.3岁.术前通过X线和MRI进行评估,所有入选的病例其胸骨切迹水平所对的椎体位于病椎以远.[结果]全部患者安全完成手术,病灶清除和减压彻底,植骨融合或骨水泥填充,钢板内固定.11例多节段病变(大于3个节段)或者有后凸的病人需要行前后路联合的内固定治疗.所有手术顺利完成.术后随访12～74个月,平均28.5个月,除2例肿瘤患者死亡外,其余患者全部获得骨性融合.[结论]颈胸交界处病变,术前进行仔细评估胸骨切迹所对椎体,如果位于病椎以远,采用颈前路延长切口,能够获得良好的显露,能够进行良好的减压和固定.对于多节段的病例或者有后凸的病例行后路的固定稳定脊柱是必要的.     

改良前方入路手术治疗颈胸段椎体病变

目的探讨改良前方入路治疗颈胸段椎体病变的手术方法。方法2000年9月-2005年1月,对23例C7-T3椎体病变患者均采用标准颈椎右前方入路联合胸骨柄正中劈开显露病变椎体,行病椎次全切除、植骨融合、内固定术。其中男15例,女8例;年龄24-62岁。颈胸段骨折3例,骨折合并脱位7例,结核6例,肿瘤7例;病变部位C6-T1、C6-T2节段各2例;C7-T1、T3节段各3例;T1节段8例;T2节段5例;病程3d-2年。术前Frankel分级A级2例,B级4例,C级7例,D级4例,E级6例。术后佩戴头颈胸支具3-6个月。结果术后23例均获随访10-42个月,全部患者椎间植骨3-6个月均获骨性愈合,无内固定失败,脊柱稳定性好。术后Frankel分级A级1例,B级0例,C级2例,D级10例,E级10例。Frankel分级平均提高1.3级。术后10个月1例肺癌全身转移死亡。余6例肿瘤患者随访时仍生存。结论采用改良前方入路暴露颈胸段病灶充分、安全,适用于颈胸段椎体病变的手术治疗。     

经胸骨上端行颈胸段脊柱前路手术的影像及解剖研究

目的 探讨部分切除胸骨上端行颈胸段脊柱前路手术的可行性.方法 采用100例行胸部CT检查者的胸部薄层CT影像,测量胸骨柄最窄部位及对应颈胸段椎体宽度;采用100例行颈胸段MRI检查者的颈胸段正中矢状位MRI影像,测量胸骨角及对应颈胸段椎体解剖关系.根据术前CT及MRI上测量数据进行胸骨上端截骨,对12具新鲜成人尸体标本进行模拟手术,观察颈胸段脊柱显露情况.结果 胸骨柄最窄部位宽度大于对应椎体宽度,胸骨角水平低于T3,4椎间隙.模拟手术,根据术前测量数据进行胸骨上端截骨,能够良好的显露颈胸段脊柱C7～T3,能提供足够的术野宽度进行T3及以上椎体的手术操作.结论 经前路部分切除胸骨上端是处理上胸椎病变较理想的入路.     

后外侧入路手术治疗儿童胸腰段不稳定性椎体骨折伴不完全性脊髓损伤

不稳定性脊柱骨折最常采用前侧入路手术,这种方法适用于颈、胸和腰椎骨折的病人,而胸腰段椎体正好位于胸腹腔的交界处,该区域的暴露相当困难。前外侧入路途径虽然能够很好地显露胸腰椎,但是操作复杂且对组织的损伤较大。该研究探讨后外侧入路手术(PLA)在治疗儿童胸腰段不稳定性椎体骨折中的价值、适应证和临床效果。自1990年至2000年采用PLA对14例儿童胸腰段不稳定性椎体骨折进行手术,术中采用单侧或双侧椎管减压和C-D器械内固定。将病人分为四组:第1组4例(Frankel E级),均无神经损害的表现,其中2例T_(12)骨折,1例L_1骨折,1例L_1和L_2骨     

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.