自体引流血回输在全髋人工关节置换术后翻修的意义

目的探讨自体引流血回输在全髋人工关节置换术后翻修的意义。方法术后采用封闭式血液回收装置,对术区渗血进行回收,把术后6 h内进行引流血回收;并分为两组,实验Ⅰ组为全髋人工关节置换术28例,实验Ⅱ组为全髋人工关节置换术后再翻修术12例。回顾性资料分析,分别与对照组30例进行比较,对照组为全髋人工关节置换术后常规不进行血液回收,但6 h内引流量均>400 ml。结果实验Ⅰ组共回输自体血10 600 ml,实验Ⅱ组共回输自体血8200 ml;两实验组手术后均不需输异体血。对照组,引流血共12 820 ml,需补充异体血28例,共输8400 ml。结论自体引流血回输在全髋人工关节置换术后应用,安全有效,临床效果好;在全髋人工关节置换翻修术的作用更为突出,有重要意义。     

麻醉后预存自体血在人工关节置换术中的应用

目的探讨麻醉后即刻采集自体血,于人工关节置换术后回输的临床应用. 方法 2004年9月～2005年1月,对33例拟行人工关节置换术的患者,麻醉后即刻采集自体血400 ml,于术后回输.观察采血时患者血压变化、术后12、24及72 h血常规、伤口引流及感染情况.其中男17例,女16例,年龄33～81岁,平均62.4岁.类风湿性关节炎5例,股骨头坏死23例,膝关节骨性关节炎5例.单髋关节置换20例,双髋关节置换1例;单膝关节置换6例,双膝关节置换5例;单髋关节翻修术1例. 结果采血前后血压无明显变化.术后回输血200～1 150 ml,平均650 ml.其中21例单髋关节置换患者仅回输预存自体血;6例单膝关节置换患者回输预存自体血后又将引流血回输;5例双膝及1例双髋关节置换的患者除用预存自体血和引流血回输外,因术后出血较多,输入异体血400 ml.术后血红蛋白68～102 g/L,平均88 g/L;红细胞压积20.5%～31.5%,平均24.6%,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.01）.术后伤口无感染、下肢静脉无血栓发生.6例输入异体血的患者,输血后2例出现寒战、皮肤骚痒等过敏反应,予地塞米松后症状均缓解. 结论对行人工膝、髋关节置换术的患者术前预存自体血供术后回输,可减少术后输入异体血带来的危险.     

自体血回输在单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术后的临床观察

目的探讨人工全膝关节表面置换术后自体血回输的安全性、有效性及护理特点。方法使用回顾性质量评估设计,比较了2005-2009年本组行单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术患者120例,其中60例采用自体血回输装置（A组）,60例术后伤口采用常规引流袋引流（B组）。根据患者的临床表现和血红蛋白水平决定异体血的输入量,使术后血红蛋白水平维持在10g/dL以上。比较两组患者术后8h内及术后总引流量;比较两组患者术前、术后第1天、术后第7天的血红蛋白变化及术后平均输血量、输异体血比例。观察两组患者输血后不良反应的发生情况。结果两组患者8h内引流量以及术后总引流量比较,差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。两组患者术前、术后第7天血红蛋白的变化无统计学差异（P〉0．05）,术后第1天血红蛋白的变化有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。A组术后自体血回输量平均为382．5ml,术后有9例接受异体血输血,平均异体血输入量134．3ml;A组所有自体血回输未出现输血反应,无感染等并发症。B组术后23例接受异体血输血,平均异体血输入量252．4ml;B组异体血输血过程中有3例出现发热反应。输异体血的比例为A组15．0％,B组38．3％。结论单侧人工全膝关节表面置换术后使用自体血回输是安全有效的,能够节约血源,避免血液传播疾病的发生,临床效果好,值得推广应用。     

双侧全髋关节置换术中自体血回输作用探讨

目的 双侧全髋关节置换术病人经常需要输入大量术中及术后异体血,其危险性包括溶血反应、感染乙肝或丙肝、感染HIV或梅毒等.减少异体血输入的最常用方法是采用术中自体血回输.该回顾性研究旨在评价术中自体血回输能否具有减少双侧全髋关节置换术围手术期异体输血总量的作用.方法 自2003年1月至2007年6月期间,行双侧首次全髋关节置换术51例,其中26例采用术中自体血回输(A组),25例未用术中自体血回输(B组),回顾性比较两组病人的性别、年龄、体重、身高、疾病、手术医生、手术时间,术前血红蛋白及红细胞压积,术中出血量、自体血回输量、异体血使用量,术后引流量、异体血使用量,术后1、3、7天血红蛋白和红细胞压积.结果 A组术中自体血回输330.7±122.7ml (100～557ml).术中异体血输入量在A组为661.5±437.3ml,B组为888.0±483.3ml(P=0.085).术后异体血输入量在A组为607.7±672.9ml,B组为328.0±423.8ml(P=0.082).两组之间术中和术后异体血总输入量无统计学差异(A组1269.2±807.8ml,B组1216.0±706.9ml,P=0.804).两组之间术后第1天血红蛋白和红细胞压积无统计学差异,而术后第3天血红蛋白和红细胞压积有统计学差异(P=0.020和P=0.013),术后第7天血红蛋白和红细胞压积又无统计学差异.结论 双侧全髋关节置换术术中自体血回输能够减少术中异体输血量,但不能减少围手术期异体输血总量.     

自体血引流回输在人工关节置换术患者中的应用效果

目的对人工关节置换术患者进行自体血引流回输,分析其应用效果。方法选取医院2017年1月至2020年12月收治的行人工关节置换术的患者62例,根据输血方式不同分为观察组(n=31)与对照组(n=31),对照组给予单纯输注异体血,观察组给予自体血引流回输,对两组手术前后血红蛋白水平、红细胞计数进行统计比较,并对两组术中出血量、术后引流量、异体血输血情况等进行统计比较。结果与术前比较,两组术后血红蛋白水平、红细胞数均显著降低,但两组术后比较差异均无显著性(P0.05);在术中出血量、术后实际引流量方面,两组间比较差异均无显著性(P0.05);在异体输血量方面,观察组与对照组比较显著降低(P0.05);手术期间,两组均未发生输血反应等不良情况。结论对人工关节置换术患者进行自体血引流回输可达到良好的治疗效果,可显著降低异体输血量,能够对临床用血紧张情况进行有效缓解,值得进一步推广。     

全膝关节置换术后不同引流方式的临床对比研究

目的 探讨人工全膝关节置换术后不同引流方式对临床疗效的影响.方法 将2010年10月至2012年11月55例接受单侧初次人工全膝关节置换患者分为三组:引流自体血回输组25例、延迟开放引流组12例、常规引流组18例.各组采用相同的手术技术和术后处理,比较术后总引流量(包括术中开放止血带止血时的出血量),异体血输血情况,术后第1、3、7天体温,手术前后血红蛋白值,肢体肿胀情况,伤口愈合质量和术后关节功能.结果 引流自体血回输组平均引流量为(799.2±196.7) ml,明显多于其他两组;延迟开放引流组平均引流量为(381.7±129.2) ml,明显少于常规引流组(666.1±155.0) ml.常规引流组术后第1天血红蛋白平均为(81.33±9.86) g/L,引流自体血回输组平均为(91.96±9.57)g/L和延迟开放引流组平均为(91.50±7.92) g/L,较常规引流组明显升高,差异有统计学意义;而引流自体血回输组与常规引流组的差异无统计学意义.常规引流组有8例患者(44.4％)术后接受异体血输注,明显多于引流自体血回输组(4例,16.0％)和延迟开放引流组(2例,16.7％),差异有统计学意义;引流自体血回输组与常规引流组的差异无统计学意义.引流自体血回输组术后第1、3、7天最高体温明显增高,与其他两组的差异有统计学意义.术后肢体肿胀、伤口愈合质量和术后关节功能三组的差异无统计学意义.结论 延迟开放引流可以减少术后显性失血,降低异体血输注率,与自体引流血回输相比,降低术后发热和额外费用,带来更大的临床收益,值得进一步探讨和应用.     

人工全膝关节置换术后未洗涤自体引流血形态学研究

目的研究人工全膝关节置换术后未洗涤自体引流血红细胞的形态变化,分析未洗涤自体引流血回输后贫血状态改善不佳的原因。方法2000年11月～2001年3月,20例行人工全膝关节置换术患者,男6例,女14例;年龄32～79岁,平均66岁;骨关节炎17例,类风湿关节炎2例,强直性脊柱炎1例;行单膝置换者6例,双膝同时置换者14例。术前16例预存了自体血400ml,另4例因术前血红蛋白含量较低(<90g/L),且合并其它疾病而未预存自体血。术后均使用CBCⅡConstaVacTM型回输血器进行未洗涤自体引流血回收,并全部回输。分别于术前、术后第2d和第7d进行血常规检查,对术前、术后1h和6h的静脉血与引流血标本进行血常规、血涂片瑞氏染色光镜和扫描电镜观察。结果单膝置换组术中出血量、术后引流血量和引流血回输量分别平均为208.3ml、910ml和708.3ml,术后1例患者因贫血输入800ml库存异体血。双膝置换组术中出血量、术后引流血量和引流血回输量分别平均为296.4ml、1718.2ml和1370ml,术后5例患者因贫血共输入2200ml库存异体血,平均440ml。术后第2d和第7d所有患者的血常规均显示不同程度的贫血,术后引流血中血红蛋白和血细胞比容均较低,并存在较多的变形红细胞。结论未洗涤引流血中大量变形红细胞的存在是造成回输后贫血状态改善不佳的重要原因之     

人工膝关节表面置换术后自体引流血回输的效用

目的人工膝关节表面置换术后常常需要输血治疗,输异体血的弊端在于可能导致传染性疾病的传播,配型不合导致输血反应或免疫调节反应。另外异体血血源紧张,费用昂贵,因此临床上应尽量减少异体输血。关于自体血回输器的应用文献报道效果不一,本文旨在探讨人工膝关节表面置换术后自体引流血回输的效用。方法使用回顾性质量评估设计,我们比较了136例择期行人工膝关节表面置换的病人和历史上同样行膝关节表面置换的116例病人。研究组使用了Consta VacTMCBC自体血回输器,伤口血液经回输器过滤后回输。对照组的引流血液被弃置。根据病人的临床表现和血红蛋白水平决定异体血的回输量,使术后血红蛋白水平维持在10 g/dL以上。比较两组术前及出院时的血红蛋白水平和输异体血的量和比例。结果两组间术前和出院时的血红蛋白水平没有统计学差异。输异体血的比例在单膝置换时,未回输组为27.3%,回输组为14.3%。在双膝置换时,未回输组为85.2%,回输组为45.1%。结论使用自体血回输器可以减少人工膝关节表面置换术后输异体血的比例和输血量。     

类风湿关节炎手术后自体引流血回输技术的应用

目的评价类风湿性关节炎(RA)患者手术后自体引流血回输的作用和使用安全性。方法93例RA患者随机分为两组。实验组(53例)术后使用自体引流血回输装置,对照组(40例)使用负压吸引瓶。记录引流量、回输血量及输血不良反应。结果实验组平均回输引流血759ml,其中6例平均输入库血165ml;对照组平均术后输库血824ml。两组患者手术前后的血红蛋白差异无显著性。两组中接受异体输血的患者有7例出现输血不良反应:荨麻疹4例(实验组2例,对照组2例),寒战、高热反应3例(均为对照组)。结论自体引流血回输是RA患者术后安全有效的输血方法。在术前没有自体血储备的情况下,该技术减少了输注库血的机会,避免血液传播疾病的发生。     

人工关节置换术后自体引流血回输的观察研究

目的探讨人工关节置换术后自体引流血回输的可行性。方法选择１９９６年２月～１９９８年３月３６例５６个关节置换患者，除术前预存自体血外，术后使用ＣＢＣⅡＣｏｎｓｔａＶａｃＴＭ型回输血器予自体引流血回输。其中髋关节８个，膝关节４８个；类风湿关节炎１２例，骨性关节炎１６例，强直性脊柱炎５例，其它特殊关节炎３例。结果自体引流血回输２４２６０ｍｌ，预存自体输血９７００ｍｌ，异体输血１４６００ｍｌ，分别占总输血量的５０％、２０％和３０％。１５例有一过性发热反应，无其它并发症。结论自体引流血回输是一种安全有效、简便易行、节约血源及财力的输血方式，可减少异体输血量，避免其并发症。     

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.