手助腹腔镜脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗门静脉高压症

目的 探讨改良手助腹腔镜下脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床应用价值.方法 2009年3月至2011年12月共对47例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者行改良手助腹腔镜下脾切除加贲门周围血管离断术,先在手助腹腔镜下完成脾切除术,再改为完全腹腔镜下行贲门周围血管离断术.结果 全组患者均完成改良手助腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,无中转开腹,平均手术时间( 154±32) min,术中平均出血量(115±73)ml,术后平均住院时间(9.2±1.6)d.围手术期并发症包括胸腔积液3例,腹水4例,胰漏1例,伤口裂开1例.无围手术死亡.结论 改良手助腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术安全性好,操作方便,术中出血少.     

完全腹腔镜脾切除断流术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症

目的 探讨完全腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的可行性、有效性和安全性.方法 对26例患者行巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,其中16例行完全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,10例行传统开腹手术.比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症发生率、术后外周血血小板数值及术后住院时间等.结果 腹腔镜组成功完成手术12例,中转开腹4例.腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(315±77) min和(291±31)min,两组相比差异无统计学意义,t=0.892,P=0.384;术中平均出血量分别为(409±216) ml和(980±402) ml,两组相比差异有统计学意义,t=4.105,P＜0.01;术后并发症发生率分别为17％和30％,两组相比差异无统计学意义,x2=0.064,P=0.525;术后平均住院时间分别为(10±3)d和(17±8)d,两组相比差异有统计学意义,t=2.539,P＜0.01.结论 完全腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术安全、可行、有效,具有出血少、痛苦小、术后住院时间短的优点,是一种值得推广的微创手术.     

完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的临床应用

目的 探讨完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的适应证和临床应用价值.方法 分析对40例肝硬化门静脉高压症脾亢患者采用完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的临床资料.结果 本组中36例顺利完成完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,4例中转开腹,平均手术时间(224±54)min,平均术中出血量(296±209)ml,无严重并发症.结论 对门静脉高压脾亢患者选择性地采用完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术是一种可供选择的安全、有效的微创方法.     

完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗门静脉高压症的疗效评价

目的 比较完全腹腔镜与开腹巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效. 方法 回顾性分析2004年12月至2006年12月对20例肝硬化门静脉高压症食管静脉曲张患者行完全腹腔镜下二级脾蒂离断法脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术,另20例患者行传统开腹手术.比较两组的手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症和术后住院时间等资料.结果 腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(235±79)min和(230±99)min(P=0.068),平均术中出血量分别为(520±386)ml和(1856±1799)ml(P=0.018).腹腔镜组术后发生胸腔积液3例,膈下脓肿1例,轻度腹水2例;开腹组术后发生胸腔积液2例,腹腔积液2例,切口感染2例,门静脉血栓形成1例.并发症发生率分别为30%和35%,两组之间比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.639).术后两组均无死亡病例.两组术后血小板均升至100×109/L以上.腹腔镜组和开腹组平均住院时间分别为(8.5±2.6)d和(14.5±7.4)d(P=0.018).术后随访6～24个月,未再次发生上消化道出血.结论 完全腹腔镜下脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术比开腹手术术中出血少,住院时间短,具于微创优势,值得推广应用.     

改良四步法腹腔镜巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术临床效果研究

目的探讨改良四步法进行腹腔镜下巨脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术(laparoscopic splenectomy and pericardial devascularization,LSPD)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月-2016年8月行我院收治的肝硬化门静脉高压病人的临床资料。开腹脾切除贲门周围血管离断术的36例病人,改良腹腔镜脾切除手术联合贲门周围血管离断术的36例。比较两组病人术中临床指标(手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、住院总费用、术中输血率)和术后并发症发生率的差异。结果腹腔镜组术中出血量(462.02±61.42)、住院时间(9.45±3.20)、术中输血率(11.11%)均明显低于对照组开腹组(755.16±50.23,14.77±2.09,13%)。而平均手术时间(265.79±48.23)和住院总费用(50143.46)高于开腹组(187.67±32.10,42368.70)差异均有统计学意义,P0.05;腹腔镜组病人(19.44%)术后并发症发生率低于开腹组组(22.22%),但是发生率的差异不明显(P0.05)。结论改良腹腔镜脾切除手术联合贲门周围血管离断术安全可行、能显著降低病人术中出血量和输血概率、缩短病人的住院时间,一定程度上降低术后并发症发生率,但是住院花费和手术时间仍相对较高,在临床推广使用基础上需要进一步加以改善。     

完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术在肝硬化门脉高压症中的应用

目的:探讨完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化性门静脉高压症的手术技巧、可行性、安全性及临床价值。方法:分析25例肝硬化门脉高压患者行脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术的临床资料,患者分为两组,腹腔镜组(n=14)接受完全腹腔镜手术;开腹组(n=11)接受传统开腹手术。对比两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后疼痛指数、肠功能恢复时间、并发症发生率及术后住院时间等。结果:腹腔镜组12例成功完成手术,2例中转开腹。腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(200±19)min、(172±20)min(t=3.361,P=0.511);术中平均出血量分别为(183±45)ml与(308±34)ml(t=-2.157,P=0.043);术后平均住院时间分别为(10.2±2.6)d与(12.9±2.0)d(t=2.788,P=0.011);腹腔镜组术后并发症发生率、术后疼痛指数较开腹组低,术后肠功能恢复较开腹组快,两组差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与传统开腹手术相比,完全腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术创伤小、术中出血少,术后并发症发生率低,康复快,住院时间短,治疗门脉高压症是安全、可行、有效的,值得临床进一步推广。     

改良腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效

目的探讨改良腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的安全性及其近期疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2013年2月扬州大学临床医学院收治的107例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者的临床资料。接受改良腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术患者为改良腹腔镜组（37例）,开腹脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术为开腹组（70例）,比较两组患者术中和术后情况。计量资料采用t检验或Mann—WhitneyU检验,计数资料采用,检验。结果改良腹腔镜组患者的中位手术时间为210min（185～245min）,明显长于开腹组的175min（150～190min）,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（Z=-4．624,P〈0．05）。改良腹腔镜组患者中位术中出血量为150ml（100～200m1）、术后第1天疼痛指数为2．5±0．9、术后进食欲望时间为（1．5±0．7）d、术后肛门排气时间为（2．4±1．0）d、术后下床活动时间为（2．7±0．7）d、术后住院时间为（10．5±2．2）d,均显著低于开腹组的300ml（188～400m1）、5．1±1．1、（2．8±0．6）d、（3．2±1．0）d、（5．9±0．9）d、（15．7±4．3）d,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（Z=-3．570,t=-12．546,-9．834,-3．635,-18．780,-8．350,P〈0．05）。改良腹腔镜组5例患者术后发生并发症,显著少于开腹组的25例（X2=5．913,P〈0．05）。结论改良腹腔镜脾切除联合贲门周围血管离断术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症安全可行且疗效确切,其近期疗效明显优于开腹手术。     

腹腔镜下脾切除加门奇断流术在肝硬化门静脉高压中的应用

探讨腹腔镜下脾切除联合门奇断流术治疗肝硬化性门静脉高压的安全性和有效性。分析48例肝硬化门静脉高压患者行脾切除联合门奇断流术的临床资料,根据手术方式的不同分为两组:腹腔镜组26例,接受完全腹腔镜下脾切除和门奇断流术;开腹组22例,接受传统开腹手术行脾切除及门奇断流术。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后疼痛指数、肠功能恢复时间、并发症发生率及术后住院时间等。腹腔镜组成功完成手术22例,中转开腹4例。腹腔镜组与开腹组平均手术时间分别为(198±20)min和(162±18)min,差异无统计学意义(t=3.461,P=0.610);术中平均出血量分别为(186±48)mL和(285±35)mL,差异有统计学意义(t=1.162,P=0.042);术后平均住院时间分别为(9.2±2.5)d和(12.5±2.2)d,差异有统计学意义(t=1.968,P=0.010);腹腔镜组术后并发症发生率、术后疼痛指数较开腹组低,术后肠功能恢复较开腹组快(P0.05)。腹腔镜下脾切除联合门奇断流术创伤小、术中出血少、并发症发生率低、恢复快,在肝硬化性门静脉高压中的应用是安全、可行、有效的。     

门奇联合断流术对门脉高压血液动力学的影响

目的 了解门奇联合断流术对门脉高压症(PHT)患者血液动力学的影响。方法 门脉高压症患者16例，于门奇联合断流术中测定开腹、脾动脉结扎、脾切除、贲门周围血管离断及食管下段横断后自由门静脉压(FPP)、中心静脉压(CVP)、心输出量(CO)、心率(HR)及平均动脉压(MAP)。结果 脾动脉结扎、脾切除、贲门周围血管离断及食管下段横断后FPP显著下降(P＜0．01)，而CVP、CO、HR、MAP无明显变化(P＞0．05)。结论 门奇联合断流术能显著降低自由门静脉压，对体循环血液动力学无明显影响。     

肝炎后肝硬化脾切除断流术后胆管结石成因分析及治疗

目的:探讨肝炎后肝硬化行脾切除加贲门周围血管断流术后胆管结石成因及治疗.方法:总结148例因肝炎后肝硬化行脾切除加贲门周围血管断流术的胆石症患者的临床资料,并对并发症、胆囊收缩功能变化和胆汁细菌培养进行分析.结果:对于胆管结石、胆囊收缩功能障碍和并发症的发生率,肝炎后肝硬化行脾切除加贲门周围血管断流术后(B组)与术前(A组)比较差异有统计学意义(64.9%vs 25.0%,77.8% vs 43.2%,71.4% vs 46.7%,P均<0.01).结论:胆囊收缩障碍包括胆囊周围粘连及胆道感染,是肝炎后肝硬化脾切除断流术后胆管结石形成的重要原因,择期手术时应预防性切除胆囊.     

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.