Neulen钛板治疗颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术

[目的] 阐明Neulen钛板在颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术中的应用及长期的随访结果.[方法] 通过对影像学资料和临床症状进行回顾性分析.本院2012年1月～ 2012年12月采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形Neulen钛板内固定术治疗颈椎管狭窄症患者26例,其中获得了26例较完整的随访资料,男15例,女11例;年龄35 ～ 81岁,平均62岁.CT及MRI示多节段椎间盘突出、黄韧带增生肥厚16例,后纵韧带骨化10例.常规行颈后路单开门减压后在门轴侧用Neulen钛板和螺钉在开门部位作为固定方式;16例患者使用5枚钛板固定,7例患者用4枚钛板固定,3例间隔使用3枚钛板固定.收集术后1周、3个月和6个月轴位CT资料,根据门轴腹侧和背侧皮质部位连接骨质来评价骨质愈合情况.腹侧和背侧部位均有骨质连接才能判定为愈合.[结果] 术后颈椎轴位CT扫描显示无脊髓损伤等其他并发症,收集到术后3个月26例患者Neulen钛板固定的117个节段和术后6个月随访到的69个阶段CT检查结果,结果显示3个月和6个月时轴侧骨愈合率分别为68.4％和85.5％.Neulen钛板椎板成形术提供了一个稳定的重建系统,随访期间无钛板移位、神经损伤和关门现象.3个节段轴侧皮质完全不连接节段均未愈合,椎管扩张状态仍能维持.[结论] Neulen钛板能够为开门后扩大的椎管提供一个稳定的支撑系统,有利于提高轴侧骨愈合率并长期维持椎管扩张状态.     

后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合Neulen钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病

目的探讨后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合Neulen钛板内固定治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病(MCSM)的临床疗效。方法 2012年7月—2016年7月,61例MCSM患者在上海交通大学医学院附属第六人民医院接受后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合Neulen钛板内固定治疗。记录出血量、手术时间、日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、神经功能改善率、颈椎椎管矢状径、椎管扩大率、门轴侧骨愈合情况、颈椎轴性症状及围手术期并发症发生情况。结果所有手术均顺利完成,手术时间为(112.4±22.8)min,出血量为(322.8±92.8)mL。61例患者随访(3.4±1.9)年,JOA评分由术前的(9.8±2.8)分提高到末次随访时的(15.2±1.9)分;末次随访时神经功能改善率为(75.3±9.7)%;末次随访时轴性症状评分为(3.2±1.5)分,优35例、良25例、可1例。颈椎椎管矢状径由术前的(8.5±1.4)mm扩大到术后的(15.1±2.3)mm,椎管扩大率为(77.6±6.8)%;所有患者门轴侧椎板均骨愈合,无内固定断裂、松动及再关门现象发生。结论后路单开门椎管扩大椎板成形术联合Neulen钛板内固定治疗MCSM,可获得满意的临床疗效,具有即刻稳定开门椎板,有利于门轴侧椎板融合,维持椎管扩张状态,防止再关门现象发生等优点。     

单开门颈椎管成形联合单侧侧块固定术治疗颈椎伤病

目的探讨单开门颈椎管扩大成形单侧侧块内固定联合植骨术治疗颈椎伤病的可行性和疗效。方法利用单开门颈椎管扩大成形单侧侧块内固定联合植骨术治疗颈椎伤病患者16例,手术减压节段包括C3~53个节段2例,C3~64个节段5例,C3~75个节段9例。手术方式均采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形,门轴侧行侧块螺钉钢板内固定,并大量植骨。结果术中及术后均未发生脊髓、神经根及血管副损伤。全部患者平均随访18个月,术后3个月时JOA评分从术前的7.9分提高到13.1分。随访期间未见内固定物移位断裂及椎板再关门现象,门轴侧骨折处骨质融合。结论单开门颈椎管扩大成形单侧侧块内固定联合植骨术治疗颈椎伤病疗效安全可靠,经济实用,在椎管扩大成形获得即刻稳定的同时,提高植骨融合率,减少后凸畸形及失稳的发生率,减少椎板再关门现象。     

颈椎后路固定钛板在颈椎管单开门扩大成形术的临床应用

目的探讨颈椎后路固定钛板在单开门椎管扩大成形术的可行性，报告其临床应用的初步效果。方法利用颈椎后路固定钛板单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗颈椎疾病21例，手术减压节段C3-75个节段19例，C4-74个节段2例，均采用常规单开门，开门后将钛板固定于门轴对侧的侧块上，另一端固定在棘突根部。结果平均随访3～15个月，术前JOA评分9.1，术后评分13.5。结论在颈椎管扩大成形术中利用后路固定钛板方法简单实用，能有效的防止再关门和减少轴性症状，是真正意义上的椎管扩大成形术。     

改良单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段颈椎后纵韧带骨化症

目的探讨改良单开门椎管扩大成形、Neulen钛板内固定治疗多节段颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2013-05—2015-05采用改良单开门椎管扩大成形、Neulen钛板内固定治疗的68例多节段OPLL。比较术前与术后12个月JOA评分、颈椎活动度、颈椎曲度指数,术前与术后6个月椎管前后径,观察术后3、6个月骨性融合率及并发症情况。结果 68例获得12~18(13.1±1.5)个月随访。仅出现5例C5神经根麻痹,4例轴性疼痛。术后3个月轴侧骨性融合率为67.7%,术后6个月轴侧骨性融合率为85.3%。术后12个月JOA评分较术前明显提高,术后6个月椎管前后径较术前明显增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论改良单开门椎管扩大成形、Neulen钛板内固定治疗多节段OPLL在有限扩大椎管的同时最大程度减轻了脊髓压迫,术后轴性疼痛改善明显,疗效满意。     

单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症

目的 探讨单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症的临床疗效.方法 采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗25例颈椎管狭窄症患者.以JOA评分(17分法)及其改善率评价术后神经功能改善情况;影像学检查评价椎管扩大和维持情况及门轴侧骨融合情况.结果 手术时间为(120±25)min;术中出血量为(675±105)ml.术后1例出现C5神经根麻痹,经3周保守治疗症状逐渐消失.25例均获随访,时间6～24个月.JOA评分术前为(9.4±1.0)分,术后6个月为(14.6±1.3)分,JOA改善率为(68.2±9.2)%.X线片及CT示椎管扩大满意,门轴侧均骨性愈合,均未见椎板塌陷和再关门现象.C5节段椎管矢状径术前为(9.2±1.0)mm,术后6个月为(14.5±1.2)mm,椎管扩大率为(57.6±13.8)%.结论 单开门颈椎管扩大成形侧块螺钉结合棘突椎板螺钉内固定治疗颈椎管狭窄症是一种安全有效的手术方法,在抬起椎板获得即刻稳定的同时,可以恢复椎管的完整性.     

单开门颈椎管扩大成形Centerpiece钛板内固定术治疗颈椎管狭窄症的早期临床疗效

目的:探讨单开门颈椎管扩大成形Centerpiece钛板内固定术治疗颈椎管狭窄症的早期临床疗效。方法:2009年8月～2010年6月采用后路C3～C7单开门椎管扩大成形Centerpiece钛板内固定术治疗颈椎管狭窄症患者30例,其中男性23例,女性7例,年龄42～81岁,平均65.2岁。MRI显示3个节段狭窄9例,4个节段狭窄15例,5个节段狭窄6例。以JOA评分(17分法)及其改善率评价术后神经功能改善情况;术后复查颈椎X线、CT及MRI,在术前及术后3d、6个月的颈椎侧位X线片上测量C5节段椎管矢状径,计算椎管扩大率[(术后椎管矢状径-术前椎管矢状径)/(术前椎管矢状径)×100%],评价椎管扩大和维持情况及门轴侧骨融合情况。结果:手术时间为145±20min,术中出血量为215±75ml,术中未出现相关并发症。1例术后第2天出现C5神经根症状,经2周保守治疗疼痛明显缓解,术后2个月时症状完全消失。随访9～20个月,平均14.6个月,术前JOA评分为8.7±0.8分,术后6个月为15.2±1.1分,改善率为(75±8)%。影像学复查示术后3d、6个月时颈椎管扩大满意,脊髓受压完全解除,C5节段椎管矢状径术前为9.2±0.8mm,术后3d、6个月均为15.9±1.2mm,椎管扩大率为(71.8±11.0)%。术后6个月时门轴侧均达骨性愈合,无1例出现关门及神经损害症状加重的情况。结论:单开门颈椎管扩大成形Centerpiece钛板内固定术是治疗颈椎管狭窄症的一种简便、安全的方法,早期疗效较满意。     

Centerpiece钛板内固定在单开门颈椎管扩大成形术中的应用

目的:探讨Centerpiece钛板内固定在单开门颈椎管扩大成形术的临床应用。方法:自2009年1月至2010年12月采用单开门颈椎管扩大成形Centerpiece内固定术治疗颈椎管狭窄症患者25例,男16例,女9例;年龄44～75岁,平均(57.2±6.7)岁。其中多节段脊髓型颈椎病8例,颈椎后纵韧带骨化症12例,发育性颈椎管狭窄症5例。以JOA评分(17分法)及其改善率评价术后神经功能改善情况;术后复查颈椎X线、CT,在术前及术后6个月的颈椎侧位X线片上测量C5节段椎管矢状径,计算椎管扩大率,评价椎管扩大和维持情况及门轴侧骨融合情况。结果:手术时间为(165.5±35.6)min;术中出血量为(325.0±75.1)ml。随访时间6～18个月,平均(7.3±3.8)个月。术前JOA评分为9.3±1.1;术后6个月为14.7±2.1(t=4.12,P<0.05),JOA改善率为(64.5±10.2)%。术后随访X线片及CT示椎管扩大满意,门轴侧均骨性愈合,均未见椎板塌陷和再关门现象,术前C5节段椎管矢状径为(9.0±1.5)mm,术后6个月为(14.3±2.0)mm(t=7.61,P<0.05),椎管扩大率为(67.6±11.8)%。结论:Centerpiece钛板内固定应用在单开门颈椎管扩大成形术中是安全有效的,在抬起椎板获得即刻稳定的同时,可以恢复椎管的完整性。     

改良单开门加钛网植入治疗颈椎管狭窄症

目的探讨经后路改良单开门椎管扩大成形加钛网植入治疗颈椎管狭窄症的远期疗效。方法采用后路将第3颈椎椎体开门侧椎板切除,第7椎椎板上缘穹窿状切除潜行减压,第4~6颈椎椎板于关节突内侧约0.5~1.0cm处,在症状较重侧用磨钻将双侧骨皮质磨除作为开门侧,另一侧椎板上侧皮质磨除为门轴侧,将颈椎管扩大成形,再将钛网修剪成条状,将开门侧椎板骨折端用钛钉固定,门轴侧骨粒植骨16例,对其临床疗效进行回顾分析。结果16例中,术前有脊髓受压、共济失调、四肢麻木无力12例,4例单一髓节障碍加神经根受压,出现双上肢疼痛麻木、双手功能障碍。术后随访6个月~4年,脊髓受压症状改善,共济失调,四肢麻木及行走功能恢复。双上肢麻木疼痛及双手功能障碍明显改善。1例出现颈5神经根牵拉麻痹,左肩麻木,肩外展功能受限,术后被动功能锻炼,6个月后恢复。无症状复发及加重病例。结论经后路将第3颈椎开门侧椎板切除,第7颈椎椎板上缘穹窿状减压,第4~6颈椎单侧开门,加钛网植入,经改良后的单开门,颈椎管扩大成形术,术后病人康复快,症状复发率低,远期疗效显著。     

微型钛板固定在单开门颈椎管成形术中的应用

目的 探讨微型钛板固定在单开门颈椎管成形术中的临床应用价值,报告其初步效果.方法 采用颈椎后路微型钛板固定单开门椎管成形术治疗颈椎疾病16例,手术减压节段C3-C7,5个节段13例,C4-C7,4个节段3例,单开门后将钛板一端固定于开门侧的侧块上,另一端固定在棘突根部.结果 16例患者术后均随访半年以上,术前JOA评分...     

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.