利用实时三维超声观察下颌角截骨术后咬肌的变化

目的 利用实时三维超声观察下颌角截骨术后咬肌的形态、功能变化,为下颌角肥大矫治手术提供参考指导.方法 利用实时三维超声对10例下颌角截骨患者行双侧咬肌形态及功能观察,观察时间为术前及术后半年,分别于患者下颌处在不同姿势下对咬肌进行三维重建和体积测量,并对张闭口过程中咬肌最厚处横断面进行动态观察,分析该横断面横纵径的变化幅度.结果 （1）重建的咬肌三维图像显示,截骨术后半年咬肌纵向长度变短,角区咬肌呈圆弧形,且较术前明显变薄;（2）术前咬肌体积平均值为（25.480±7.113）cm3,术后6个月时咬肌体积平均值为（18.222±3.028）cm3,与术前相比差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）;（3）动态图像显示,截骨术后半年张闭口过程中咬肌最厚处横断面横纵径的变化幅度与术前相比,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 下颌角截骨术后咬肌萎缩部位主要位于角区,截骨术对咬肌功能并无明显影响;应用实时三维超声重建咬肌及观察咬肌活动方便快捷,对人体无损伤,利于重复,是一种观察测量咬肌的新方法.     

耳后入路下颌角截骨术的应用解剖研究

目的：通过对下颌角区域解剖结构的逐层研究,确定出耳后入路下颌角截骨术操作的安全层次和范围,为该术式的顺利实施提供可靠的参考。方法：选用成人头颅标本11具（男8,女3）22侧。大体进行肉眼解剖,微细结构在10倍手术放大镜下解剖,使用游标卡尺（精确到0.02mm）测量相关数据。结果：耳后入路历经的层次由浅入深依次是皮肤、皮下脂肪、颈阔肌及耳后筋膜浅层、腮腺咬肌筋膜、腮腺和咬肌及胸锁乳突肌、下颌骨骨膜、下颌骨。绝大多数标本在皮肤、皮下脂肪、颈阔肌及耳后筋膜浅层未见重要血管神经走行。在颈阔肌深层,面神经颈支平下颌角处与下颌角顶点距离最短,为（0.993±0.179）cm;颈外静脉平下颌角处、腮腺下缘、面神经下颌缘支与下颌角顶点距离较近,分别为（1.223±0.298）cm、（1.211±0.735）cm、（1.354±0.338）cm;耳大神经平下颌角处、面动/静脉跨下颌骨下缘处至下颌角顶点的距离较远,分别为（2.047±0.339）cm、（2.612±0.511）cm。结论：耳后入路下颌角截骨术有其安全操作层次和范围可循,下颌角区域的逐层应用解剖及数据测量对该手术入路有指导意义。     

下颌角弧形截骨术后咬肌厚度的变化

目的观察下颌角弧形截骨术后咬肌形态的变化，为下颌角肥大矫治手术提供指导。方法采用超声成像技术对10例行下颌角弧形截骨术的受术者行双侧（20侧）咬肌厚度测定，测量时间为术前及术后半年，于受术者肌肉松弛状态下分别在3个不同平面（A平面：口角与耳垂连线所在平面；B、C平面分别为与A平面平行，跨度为1cm的上下两平面）测量咬肌的最大厚度，观察比较咬肌厚度变化。结果A平面咬肌厚度术前平均值为（1．168±0．155）cm，术后平均值为（1．133±0．176）cm，与术前相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；B平面咬肌厚度术前平均值为（1．215±0．178）cm，术后平均值为（1．108±0．210）cm，与术前相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；C平面咬肌厚度术前平均值为（1．223±0．192）cm，术后平均值为（0．979±0．118）cm，与术前相比差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），术前术后咬肌厚度减少值平均为（0．244±0．121）cm，术前术后减少百分比平均为（19．22±7．785）％。结论下颌角弧形截骨术后近角区咬肌可发生明显萎缩，轻、中度下颌角肥大者可单纯行下颌角弧形截骨术，无需切除咬肌。     

山羊下颌角截骨术后咬肌再附着过程中胶原变化的观察

目的:观察不同术式下颌角截骨术后山羊咬肌再附着过程,并与正常咬肌附着进行比较,探讨下颌角截骨术后咬肌-下颌骨再愈合过程对口腔咀嚼功能恢复的影响。方法:以16只成年山羊为研究对象,随机分入A、B、C、D四组,每组4只。A组:随机取一侧行下颌角弧形截骨术;B组:随机取一侧行下颌角弧形截骨术 咬肌部分切除术;C组:随机取一侧行下颌骨外板取出术;D组:随机取一侧行下颌骨嚼肌剥离术。分别于术后1月、2月、3月、6月于各组咬肌再附着区行组织学观察及骨膜厚度测量。结果:术后3个月前,各实验组界面愈合有一定差别,恢复程度依次为咬肌剥离组,去下颌骨外板组,去下颌角组,去下颌角及咬肌组,术后3个月后各实验组肌骨界面恢复情况无明显差别,术后6月各组肌-骨界面结构类似于正常咬肌附着。骨膜厚度测量结果,咬肌剥离组在术后2月时基本恢复正常厚度,其余实验组在术后6月时恢复正常厚度。结论:下颌角截骨术后2个月,咬肌-下颌骨附着初步重建,术后3个月,建立较牢固的肌骨附着,术后6个月,肌骨附着基本恢复正常。间接说明下颌角截骨术后3月,患者可逐渐恢复正常的咀嚼活动。     

A型肉毒素注射治疗咬肌肥大

目的：探讨下颌角咬肌肥大的非手术治疗方法。方法：应用A型肉毒素（BTA）注射到肥大的咬肌内使咬肌萎缩变小来改善面部轮廓形态，如果同时伴有下颌骨的骨质增生，可在注射内毒素之前或之后行手术治疗切除增生的下颌骨。结果：BTA局部注射治疗单纯咬肌肥大6例，结合下颌角骨切除术5例，9例为单次注射，2例为2次注射完成治疗，效果满意，经6个月－13个月随访，疗效稳定，未见复发。结论：A型肉毒素局部注射治疗咬肌肥大方法简便，安全有效，远期效果尚需进一步观察。     

不同方法治疗后咬肌厚度减少的比较研究

目的通过比较三种方法处理后的咬肌厚度的变化，评价不同方法在减小咬肌厚度中的应用价值。方法对单纯下颌角截骨术患者5例，下颌角截骨术＋咬肌部分切除术患者4例，下颌角截骨术＋咬肌注射A型肉毒毒素患者4例，应用B超对患者手术前后12、24周咬肌厚度进行测量，比较其术后咬肌厚度减小程度。结果单纯下颌角截骨术、下颁角截骨术＋咬肌部分切除术及下颌角截骨术＋咬肌注射A型肉毒毒素组于术后12周咬肌厚度平均减少（4．876±5．270）％，（32．939±2．900）％，（14．006±4．866）％；术后24周分别减少（2．637±4．806）％，（30．286±3．644）％，（36．878±4．702）％。结论从远期效果观察。下颌角截骨联合咬肌注射A型肉毒毒素与下颌角截骨联合咬肌部分切除或单纯下颌角截骨手术比较，能更有效地减少咬肌厚度。     

下颌角切除术前、后颅面骨骼和咬肌CT影像的三维测量

目的 探讨下颌角截骨整形术前、后颅面骨性结构和咬肌的变化.方法 随机选取下颌角肥大者18例,于术前、后分别做三维CT检查,并对颅面结构进行三维测量,采用自身对照进行配对资料t检验.结果 下颌角截骨整形术后下颌角角度增加(15.96±4.39) °、下颌骨角区最大宽度减少(7.72±1.83) mm、升支长度减少(8.01±2.92) mm、下颌角间距减少(4.35±1.94) mm、下颌角外翻角减少(8.76±8.02)°、下颌骨扩展角度减少(3.91±1.86)°、咬肌厚度减少(2.99±1.07) mm、咬肌宽度减少(2.65±1.73) mm、咬肌长度减少(6.23±2.29) mm、角区面宽度减少(5.29±2.01) mm,上述测量指标与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 下颌角截骨整形术后颅面骨骼三维测量与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),咬肌有萎缩现象,因此术中一般不需切除咬肌.     

半侧颜面短小畸形下颌骨牵引成骨对咬肌的影响

目的探讨半侧颜面短小畸形下颌骨牵引成骨对咬肌的影响。方法回顾性分析自2010年2月至2015年3月半侧颜面短小畸形患者共25例,借助Mimics软件重建患儿咬肌及头颅骨的三维立体图像,测量牵引成骨前后咬肌体积。结果下颌骨牵引成骨后,患儿健侧咬肌体积与术前相比,其差异无统计学意义(P0.05),而患侧咬肌体积术后较术前明显增加(P0.05)。ⅡA型和ⅡB型半侧颜面短小畸形患儿牵引成骨术后咬肌增加量差异无统计学意义(P0.05);下颌升支后缘高度增加量与咬肌体积增加量无显著相关性(P0.05)。结论下颌骨牵引成骨治疗半侧颜面短小畸形可能有助于促进患儿患侧咬肌生长,增加咬肌体积,改善半侧颜面短小畸形患儿肌肉软组织缺损情况。     

咬肌内注射A型肉毒毒素和曲安奈德对大鼠下颌骨发育影响的实验研究

目的 探讨咬肌内注射A型肉毒毒素和曲安奈德对大鼠下颌骨发育的影响.方法 取28日龄雄性Wistar大鼠为实验对象,随机分为4组:A型肉毒毒素组(B组,n=8)、曲安奈德组(T组,n=8)、A型肉毒毒素+曲安奈德组(BT组,n=8)、对照组(C组,n=6),每组大鼠取右侧咬肌并向肌内注射相应的药物,左侧注射等量的生理盐水,空白对照组仅麻醉;大鼠75日龄时行头颅CT平扫+三维重建,测量各组大鼠下颌骨长度、高度等线距后处死,切取双侧咬肌称其质量.结果 注射侧咬肌质量B组、BT组小于对照侧;B组注射侧下颌骨长度Ⅲ(下颌角至下颌中切牙牙槽骨前下点的距离)、下颌骨高度Ⅱ(冠突到下颌角最下点的距离)小于对照侧;BT组注射侧下颌骨高度Ⅱ小于对照侧;B组的下颌骨高度Ⅱ小于其他3组,BT组小于C组;下颌骨高度Ⅲ(髁突到下颌角最下点的距离)B组和BT组小于C组.结论 幼龄大鼠咬肌内注射A型肉毒毒素,成年后下颌骨高度减小,下颌骨长度、下颌间距无明显影响;注射曲安奈德对大鼠下颌骨发育影响不明显.     

下面部过宽矫正术

目的下面部过宽采取单纯下颌角截骨有时不能取得理想的效果，正确选择适应证进行下颌骨体劈裂截骨术可取得更好的手术效果。方法对下面部宽大，下颌骨体肥厚，下颌角外翻明显的“四方脸”者（１３例，其中男性２例，女性１１例）进行了下颌骨体部的劈裂截骨术和部分咬肌去除术。女性中的６例因颊部脂肪丰满，为取得更为明显的效果，在进行劈裂截骨术和部分咬肌去除术的同时，还进行了颊脂肪垫的部分去除术。结果术后３个月到１年随访中，求美者对手术结果非常满意，下面部平均较术前减少约１．２～１．７ｃｍ。结论下颌骨体的劈裂截骨、部分咬肌和颊脂肪垫去除可有效缩窄下面部的宽度。劈裂截骨术对下颌骨体肥大伴明显外翻者可取得相当好的手术效果，手术结合部分咬肌及颊脂肪垫的去除能取得更为理想的效果     

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.