后腹腔镜手术与开放肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术疗效的比较

目的:评价后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的临床效果。方法:对后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤患者19例(后腹腔镜手术组)与同期行开放手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤患者14例(开放手术组)进行疗效比较。结果:后腹腔镜手术组:19例均成功;肿瘤最大直径1.8~9.5(4.1±1.7)cm;手术时间40~180(90±35)min;出血量15~100(40±25)ml;术后止痛剂应用次数1次;术后下床活动时间2~4(2.1±0.4)天;术后住院时间4~8(6.0±1.5)天。开放手术组:14例均成功;肿瘤最大直径2.1~11.5(3.9±1.5)cm;手术时间95~260(140±41)min;出血量100~700(310±118)ml,6例输血;术后止痛剂应用次数5次;术后下床活动时间4~7(5.1±0.9)天;术后住院时间8~12(9.1±1.2)天。结论:对有较丰富腹腔镜手术经验的术者,后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术显著优于传统开放手术,具有安全、有效、创伤小、疼痛轻、康复快、住院时间短等优点,可作为治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的首选方法。     

嗜铬细胞瘤182例手术治疗分析

目的提高嗜铬细胞瘤的治疗水平。方法回顾性分析2003年9月至2011年6月本院手术治疗182例嗜铬细胞瘤患者的临床资料,并进行各项指标的统计分析。结果所有患者均成功手术切除肿瘤。嗜铬细胞瘤腹腔镜组（LA）15例无中转开放手术,切除肿瘤直径3.5～7cm,平均（5.2±1.58）cm;出血量20～700mL,平均（48±39）mL;手术时间70～180min平均（122.0±43.3）min;术后下床活动时间1～3d,平均（2.2±0.7）d;住院时间5～8d;平均（6.5±1.4）d。嗜铬细胞瘤开放手术组143例,切除肿瘤直径4.5～18.5cm,平均（6.2±3.1）cm;出血量60～2 200mL,平均（220±118）cm;手术时间80～240min,平均（122.0±43.3）min;术后下床活动时间2～5d,平均（4.1±0.8）d;住院时间7～15d,平均（9.3±1.7）d。副神经节瘤组24例,肿瘤直径5.0～9.5cm,恶性肿瘤15例。结论对有较丰富腹腔镜手术经验的术者,后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术手术时间短、出血量少、对患者的刨伤小,是治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤安全、有效的方法;推荐开放手术治疗副神经节瘤。     

腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺外嗜铬细胞瘤8例临床分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺外嗜铬细胞瘤的有效性和安全性。方法:采用腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺外嗜铬细胞瘤患者8例,其中经腹腔的腹腔镜手术治疗3例,经后腹腔镜手术治疗5例。结果:手术均获得成功,手术时间104±37(65~185)min,出血量95.4±76.3(20~250)ml,术后住院时间5.1±1.7(3~8)d,无明显并发症。结论:腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺外嗜铬细胞瘤并不增加手术的危险性,可作为治疗肾上腺外嗜铬细胞瘤的方法之一。     

后腹腔镜与开放肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术的回顾性比较研究

目的 比较后腹腔镜与开放手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的临床效果,评价后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术的临床应用价值. 方法 回顾分析1998年1月～2005年12月我院50例单侧开放性肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术（开放手术组）和53例单侧后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术（后腹腔镜组）的临床资料,比较2组手术情况（手术创伤相关指标、术中高血压波动、疗效等）. 结果 后腹腔镜组手术时间（52±22）min 显著短于开放手术组（120±42）min,（t=-11.692,P=0.000）;术中出血量（74±34）ml 显著少于开放手术组（187±64）ml （t=-7.511,P=0.000）;术后肠道功能恢复时间（中位数1 d vs 2 d, u= -5.018,P=0.000）和术后住院时间[（5.2±1.7）d vs （8.3±1.8）d, t=-10.714,P=0.000]均明显优于开放手术组.后腹腔镜组术中高血压发生例数（9例 vs 18例, χ^2=4.811,P= 0.028）、输血例数（1例 vs 8例, χ^2=6.426,P=0.011）、全身炎症反应综合征（systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIRS）发生例数（11例 vs 21例, χ^2= 5.423,P=0.020）均显著低于开放组;2组SIRS持续时间（中位数1 d vs 1 d,u=-1.598,P=0.110）、手术并发症发生例数（2例 vs 6例,χ^2=1.418,P=0.234）无统计学差异.术后3个月血压恢复正常及症状消失者后腹腔镜组有45例（84.9%）,开放手术组43例（86.0%）,2组比较无统计学差异（χ^2=0.025,P=0.875）.103例随访5～36个月,平均21.3月,均未出现肿瘤复发和转移. 结论 后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术不仅手术时间短、出血量少、对患者的创伤小,而且术中对血压的控制较好,具有与开放手术相似的疗效,是治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤安全、有效的方法.     

腹腔镜切除5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的安全性分析

目的 探讨5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤腹腔镜切除术的安全性. 方法 2001年1月至2007年6月在北京大学第一医院泌尿外科行肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除的连续79例患者中肿瘤最大径5～10 cm者共41例,回顾分析其临床资料.腹腔镜组11例(其中2例中转开放,数据分析时排除在外),开放手术组30例.应用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验对两组患者的临床资料及围手术期数据进行分析. 结果 两组患者年龄、肿瘤最大径、术前最高收缩压及舒张压、术前心率、血儿茶酚胺水平的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).腹腔镜组均经腹膜后途径.开放手术组经腹腔途径11例,经腹膜后途径19例.两组患者手术时间分别为(132±54)min和(178±64)min;术中出血量分别为100 ml(0～800 m1)和450 ml(0～9500 ml);术后住院时间分别为(7±2)d和(9±4)d,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).腹腔镜组术中均未输血,开放手术组术中输血量的中位值为225 ml(0～3800 ml).2组患者术中最高血压、最低血压、最快心率、最慢心率、收缩压增加基础血压30%的次数、收缩压≥200 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)次数、收缩压≤90 mm Hg次数、心率≥110次/min次数、心率≤50次/min次数的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).两组患者引流量、拔管时间、住ICU时间、术后开始进食时间、住院费用差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 腹腔镜切除5～10 cm肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、术后住院日较开放手术有优势,且术中血压、心率波动等指标不高于开放手术.因此,5～10 cm的肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤不是腹腔镜的绝对禁忌,经验丰富的术者可以考虑开展腹腔镜手术切除较大肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤.     

后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术的疗效评估

目的:探讨后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术的有效性及安全性。方法:回顾分析2009年1月至2013年12月68例肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤患者的临床资料,其中33例行开放肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术(开放组),35例行后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术(后腹腔镜组),观察手术相关指标,包括术中是否出现血压剧烈波动、手术时间、术中出血量、引流量、拔除引流管时间、术后住院时间等。结果:68例手术均获成功,后腹腔镜组手术时间、出血量、引流管拔除时间及术中血压剧烈波动例数等明显优于开放组(P<0.05)。结论:后腹腔镜手术具有创伤小、患者痛苦少、康复快等优势,是治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤安全、有效的术式。     

后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺良性疾病(附39例报告)

目的 探讨后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺良性疾病的手术方法和临床价值.方法 采用后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺良性疾病39例,其中原发性醛固酮增多症7例,皮质醇增多症16例,无功能腺瘤5例,肾上腺囊肿6例,髓性脂肪瘤3例,嗜铬细胞瘤2例.结果 除1例改开放手术外,其余手术均获成功,手术时间40～150 min ,平均75 min,术中出血20～150 ml,平均50 ml.均无输血,无严重手术并发症.术后1～2 d 恢复进食,并可坐起或下床活动.术后住院时间6～10 d,平均8 d.结论 与开放手术相比,后腹腔镜肾上腺切除术具有创伤小、痛苦小、住院时间短、康复快等优点,可作为肾上腺良性疾病的首选手术方法.     

达芬奇机器人与不同入路传统腹腔镜在肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术中的围手术期比较

目的:探讨3种手术方式在肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术中的临床应用价值,提高肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的治疗水平。方法:回顾性分析2009年1月—2019年12月在我院手术治疗的186例嗜铬细胞瘤患者的临床资料,比较经腹腔、经后腹腔和机器人辅助腹腔镜手术在围术期的各项数据。结果:经后腹腔组在手术时间、术后恢复进食及术后引流液量方面均优于经腹腔组;而在术中血压波动、中转开放率、失血量及术后拔除引流管时间方面,二者无明显差异;经腹机器人手术组在手术时间和切除巨大肿瘤方面优于经腹腔组。结论:经后腹腔行腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术的手术时间短、患者恢复快,可作为肿瘤体积较小(5 cm)患者优先选择的手术方式;机器人手术因精细度高,操作灵活更适合肿瘤体积较大的复杂性嗜铬细胞瘤患者。     

腹膜后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术与开放手术患者血压变化的对比研究

目的:对比分析腹膜后腹腔镜与开放肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤切除术中患者血压的变化,评价腹膜后腹腔镜手术切除肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的安全价值.方法:回顾性分析2008年9月至2011年2月为26例患者行单侧腹膜后腹腔镜肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术(腹腔镜组)和19例单侧开放性肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤手术(开放组)的临床资料,对比两组患者术中血压的变化(...     

腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤

目的 评价腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤的安全性及临床价值.方法 对25例肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤患者采用腹腔镜经腹腔途径手术治疗.结果 25例全部成功,无1例中转开放手术,无严重并发症发生.肿瘤最大径1.5～10.8 em,平均4.8 cm;手术时间45～130 min,平均70 min;术中出血量30～180 ml,平均65 ml,均未输血;术后住院4～7天,平均6.1天;术后病理检查证实均为肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤.全部病例获得随访6～72个月,患者血压正常,B超或CT复查均未见肿瘤复发.结论 腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺嗜铬细胞瘤具有手术时间短,出血少、损伤小、恢复快、安全性高、并发症少等优点,可替代开放手术.     

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.