腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗低位直肠癌的效果对比

目的探讨腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗低位直肠癌的效果。方法回顾性分析我院2003年1月~2013年6月89例低位直肠癌患者的临床资料,45例行腹腔镜手术,44例行开腹手术,比较2组手术结果及并发症。结果与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组手术时间短[(160.5±25.4)min vs.(210.3±45.6)min,t=-6.387,P=0.000],术中出血少[(120±21)ml vs.(320±53)ml,t=-27.650,P=0.000],保肛率高[84.4%(38/45)vs.59.1%(26/44),χ~2=7.079,P=0.008],术后肛门排气早[(3.2±1.2)d vs.(6.3±3.6)d,t=-5.477,P=0.000],尿潴留少[4.4%(2/45)vs.20.5%(9/44),χ~2=5.264,P=0.022],总住院时间短[(10.3±2.4)d vs.(15.6±2.7)d,t=-9.793,P=0.000],2组术后切口感染、肺部感染、肠梗阻、吻合口漏、标本切除长度及清扫淋巴结数量等方面差异无显著性(P0.05)。67例获得随访1~5年,复发或肿瘤转移9例,其中6例死亡。结论对于低位直肠癌患者采取经腹腔镜的手术方式,能增加保肛率,而且具有手术创伤小、出血量少、尿潴留等并发症发生率低、术后肛门排气快、住院时间短等优点,疗效确切,值得临床推广。     

腹腔镜与开腹子宫阔韧带肌瘤剔除术的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜阔韧带肌瘤剔除术的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析2008年1月~2014年8月子宫阔韧带肌瘤剔除术95例资料,其中腹腔镜手术50例,开腹手术45例,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、下床活动及术后住院时间。结果腹腔镜组1例中转开腹,其余均成功完成手术。与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组手术时间短[(62.6±10.2)min vs.(81.7±9.7)min,t=-9.302,P=0.000],出血量少[(73.1±19.0)ml vs.(96.3±13.7)ml,t=-6.742,P=0.000],下床活动早[(12.2±1.5)h vs.(23.1±1.8)h,t=-31.620,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(4.3±1.2)d vs.(6.0±0.8)d,t=-7.879,P=0.000]。结论腹腔镜阔韧带肌瘤剔除术安全可行,创伤小、术后恢复时间短,在操作技术熟练的情况下,值得推广应用。     

腹腔镜与开腹胆总管取石一期缝合的临床比较

目的探讨胆总管结石腹腔镜胆总管取石(laparoscopic common bile duct exploration,LCBDE)一期缝合的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年1月~2014年12月322例胆总管取石一期缝合的临床资料,LCBDE组133例,开腹组189例,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后6 h疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、术后首次下床活动时间、住院时间、住院费用、术后并发症。结果 2组手术均获成功,无术中并发症发生,LCBDE组无中转开腹。与开腹组相比,LCBDE组术中出血少[(33.9±18.3)ml vs.(72.6±38.5)ml,t=-10.755,P=0.000],术后疼痛轻[(3.8±1.6)分vs.(5.3±1.2)分,t=-9.610,P=0.000],术后首次下床活动早[(9.2±2.1)h vs.(14.3±2.7)h,t=-18.242,P=0.000],住院费用少[(3.03±0.50)万元vs.(3.50±0.68)万元,t=-6.864,P=0.000],住院时间短[(12.0±2.1)d vs.(15.0±4.4)d,t=-7.596,P=0.000],2组手术时间、并发症差异无显著性(P0.05)。结论腹腔镜与开腹胆总管取石术后一期缝合治疗胆总管结石均安全、有效,LCBDE具有术后疼痛轻、住院时间短、住院费用低、恢复快等优点,值得临床推广应用。     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗妊娠合并卵巢囊肿的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜手术治疗妊娠合并卵巢囊肿的安全性及疗效。方法 2010年1月~2015年1月收治27例妊娠合并卵巢囊肿,行腹腔镜手术15例(腹腔镜组),开腹手术12例(开腹组),回顾性分析患者手术及妊娠结局。结果27例手术均顺利完成,腹腔镜组无中转开腹。与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组手术时间短[(49.2±8.4)min vs.(71.4±12.3)min,t=-5.551,P=0.000],术中出血少[(14.9±11.3)ml vs.(44.2±22.7)ml,t=-4.378,P=0.000],术后下床活动早[(19.3±5.0)h vs.(34.2±11.1)h,t=-4.670,P=0.000],术后排气早[(13.1±5.6)h vs.(21.7±5.4)h,t=-4.007,P=0.000],住院时间短[(6.7±1.3)d vs.(9.2±1.5)d,t=-4.519,P=0.000]。腹腔镜组13例成功分娩足月健康婴儿,新生儿无窒息、畸形,2例继续妊娠。开腹组1例完全流产,10例成功分娩足月健康婴儿,新生儿无窒息、畸形,1例继续妊娠。2组流产率差异无显著性[0%(0/15)vs.8.3%(1/12),Fisher检验,P=0.444]。结论腹腔镜手术治疗妊娠合并卵巢良性囊肿,创伤小,术后恢复快,安全可行。     

腹腔镜辅助小切口与开腹手术治疗老年胃十二指肠溃疡穿孔的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜辅助小切口手术治疗老年(≥60岁)胃十二指肠溃疡穿孔的应用价值。方法回顾我院2012年1月~2014年12月老年胃十二指肠溃疡穿孔患者96例资料,其中小切口组(腹腔镜辅助小切口修补)和开腹组各48例。2组年龄、性别、穿孔时间、穿孔大小及术前合并症等差异无显著性,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间和术后并发症发生率。结果小切口组4例延长切口完成手术。与开腹组相比,小切口组术中出血少[(25.3±11.2)ml vs.(59.1±17.8)ml,t=-10.747,P=0.000],术后排气早[(25.0±4.9)h vs.(30.0±6.0)h,t=-4.437,P=0.000],住院时间短[(7.3±3.2)d vs.(10.6±4.7)d,t=-3.894,P=0.000],并发症少[13.6%(6/44)vs.37.5%(18/48),χ~2=6.780,P=0.009],但手术时间长[(56.3±9.4)min vs.(50.4±12.7)min,t=2.525,P=0.013]。结论腹腔镜辅助小切口手术治疗老年胃十二指肠溃疡穿孔易操作,创伤小,恢复快,术后并发症少,是老年胃十二指肠溃疡穿孔较为理想的手术方式。     

腹腔镜与开腹结直肠癌根治术后感染并发症的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜与开腹结直肠癌根治术后感染并发症发生的差异。方法回顾性分析我院2009年1月~2015年6月结直肠癌根治术372例临床资料,包括腹腔镜手术163例和开腹手术209例,2组性别、年龄、手术切除范围、病理分型和临床分期等差异均无显著性。观察指标包括腹腔引流管和导尿管留置时间,手术时间,术中出血量,ICU住院时间,总住院时间和住院期间死亡率等,感染指标包括切口感染,腹腔脓肿(包括肝下、膈下、脾窝、盆腔和肠襻间等),院内获得性肺炎,下尿路感染,导管相关感染等。结果与开腹组相比,腹腔镜组术中出血少[(38.8±8.7)ml vs.(70.1±18.1)ml,t=-19.672,P=0.000],引流管留置时间短[(7.5±2.3)d vs.(10.7±3.1)d,t=-11.022,P=0.000],导尿管留置时间短[(0.9±0.2)d vs.(1.4±0.5)d,t=-12.035,P=0.000],住ICU时间短[(18.4±2.8)h vs.(27.9±6.1)h,t=-18.423,P=0.000],总住院时间短[(12.7±3.1)d vs.(15.1±4.2)d,t=-6.111,P=0.000],但手术时间显著延长[(195.8±35.2)min vs.(162.1±48.3)min,t=7.490,P=0.000]。腹腔镜组切口感染发生率显著降低[4.9%(8/163)vs.16.7%(35/209),χ2=12.555,P=0.000]。结论与开腹手术相比,腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术可减少术后切口感染的发生,且不增加其他感染并发症的发生率。     

经脐入路和传统腹腔镜经腹腹膜前腹股沟疝修补术的比较

目的 比较经脐入路腹腔镜和传统腹腔镜经腹腹膜前腹股沟疝修补术(transabdominal preperitoneal prosthesis, TAPP)的临床效果。方法 对2020年1月～2021年6月我科64例腹股沟疝进行回顾性分析，由患者选择手术方式，行经脐TAPP和传统TAPP各32例。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后24 h切口疼痛评分、术后住院时间、住院费用、术后并发症发生率、切口满意度评分及复发情况。结果 经脐组手术时间显著长于传统组[(94.3±10.7) min vs.(60.4±4.4) min,t=16.593,P=0.000],但术后切口疼痛评分低[(1.3±0.5)分vs.(3.1±0.7)分，t=-12.647,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(1.7±0.7) d vs.(4.3±1.0) d,t=-12.149,P=0.000],住院费用低[(16.0±0.6)千元vs.(18.5±0.7)千元，t=-15.594,P=0.000],切口满意度评分高[(12.8±1.1)分vs.(8.6±1.5)分，t=12.635,P=0.000]。2组术中出血量...     

腹腔镜技术在非外伤性小肠穿孔中的应用

目的:观察并对比腹腔镜手术与开腹手术治疗非外伤性小肠穿孔的临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2016年2月至2021年12月收治的32例非外伤性小肠穿孔患者的临床资料，其中15例行腹腔镜手术(腹腔镜组),17例行开腹手术(开腹组)。对比分析两组术前及术后相关指标，包括患者性别、年龄、体重指数、手术时间、胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间及术后肠梗阻、切口感染等并发症发生率。结果:两组患者术前基本资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与开腹组相比，腹腔镜组术后肛门排气早[(4.5±1.3)d vs.(5.4±0.9)d,P=0.042],腹腔引流时间短[(6.3±1.8)d vs.(8.8±3.1)d,P=0.012],住院时间短[(10.5±2.3)d vs.(16.9±7.9)d,P=0.005],总住院费用少[(2.46±0.88)万元vs.(3.76±1.79)万元，P=0.016]。两组术后并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:在严格把握腹腔镜手术指征的条件下，腹腔镜手术治疗非外伤性小肠穿孔创伤更小，患者术后康复更快，符合现代微创外科的理念，值得临床应用。     

腹腔镜下肾肿瘤剜除术围手术期的快速康复护理

目的探讨腹腔镜下肾肿瘤剜除术围手术期运用快速康复外科(fast track surgery,FTS)护理的临床效果。方法选取我科2013年1~12月40例行腹腔镜肾肿瘤剜除术患者,按住院号单双号分为对照组和FTS组各20例。对照组给予外科常规围手术期护理,FTS组实行外科快速康复护理。结果 2组手术时间、术中出血量、并发症发生率差异均无显著性(P0.05)。与对照组相比,FTS组术后排气早[(30.3±11.7)h vs.(43.0±15.5)h,t=-2.924,P=0.006],开始进食早[(26.6±12.1)h vs.(56.1±18.1)h,t=-6.059,P=0.000],下床活动早[(33.6±16.8)h vs.(66.9±28.6)h,t=-4.490,P=0.000],留置导尿管时间短[(40.2±18.5)h vs.(83.4±39.6)h,t=-4.420,P=0.000],留置引流管时间短[(50.3±22.5)h vs.(102.9±46.0)h,t=-4.594,P=0.000],住院时间短[(5.5±1.5)d vs.(9.0±2.1)d,t=-5.911,P=0.000]。结论实施外科快速康复护理可减少术后不良反应,缩短住院时间,既保证手术治疗的效果,也实现了快速康复的目标,值得临床推广。     

全结肠系膜切除术在腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术中的应用

目的探讨全结肠系膜切除术(complete mesocolic excision,CME)在腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术中的安全性。方法回顾性分析2012年1月~2013年6月接受CME腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术40例的临床资料,选取2011年1月~2011年12月同一手术组施行的开腹右半结肠癌根治术38例作为对照组,比较2组患者术中、术后情况。结果腹腔镜组清扫淋巴结(22.1±7.8)枚,明显多于开腹组(18.6±4.3)枚(t=2.436,P=0.017),其中Ⅱ期淋巴结清扫数目无统计学差异(t=0.758,P=0.454),Ⅲ期腹腔镜组明显多于开腹组[(23.0±6.0)枚vs.(18.2±5.1)枚,t=2.699,P=0.000]。2组患者手术时间、术中出血量差异无统计学意义(t=0.716,P=0.476;t=-1.547,P=0.126)。腹腔镜组术后引流管拔出时间[(9.0±1.3)d vs.(10.3±2.2)d,t=-2.950,P=0.004],术后排气时间[(3.1±1.2)vs.(4.8±1.4)d,t=-5.767,P=0.000],术后进食时间[(4.3±0.8)d vs.(6.2±1.3)d,t=-7.817,P=0.000],术后住院时间[(10.6±2.8)d vs.(15.8±4.6)d,t=-6.065,P=0.000],术后并发症发生率(10.0%vs.28.9%,χ2=4.504,P=0.034)均显著短于/低于开腹组。结论 CME在腹腔镜辅助下右半结肠癌根治术中安全、可行,可保证切除系膜的完整性和清扫更多的淋巴结,但并不会增加手术风险和术后并发症发生率。     

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.