内固定治疗胸椎骨折脱位伴脊髓损伤

目的探讨胸椎骨折脱位伴脊髓损伤的内固定方法,评价骨折复位与神经恢复效果。方法 60例胸椎骨折伴脊髓不完全损伤患者中,对胸椎中上段骨折采用多节段椎弓根螺钉（6～10枚）内固定：对胸椎下段骨折行经伤椎置4钉或6钉2棒短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定。观察伤椎椎体前高比和脊髓神经的恢复情况。结果 60例中,多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定手术时间（331±45）min,出血量（495±158）mL;短节段椎弓根螺钉内固定手术时间（297±34）min,出血量（426±138）mL。所有病例均获随访,时间为10～36个月,骨折脱位均骨性融合,融合率100%。无切口感染、无内固定松动、断裂等并发症发生。中上段组术后椎体前高比（87.4±3.6）%,明显高于术前（40.5±3.1）%;下段组术后椎体前高比（88.1±3.9）%,也明显高于术前（41.2±2.4）%。根据国际脊髓损伤评分标准评分,感觉评分两组术后均高于术前（P〈0.01）;运动评分中上段组术后高于术前（P〈0.05）,下段组更显著（P〈0.01）。结论对中上胸椎骨折脱位应行长节段椎弓根钉内固定,下胸椎短节段椎弓根钉内固定,手术时机及康复治疗是促进功能恢复的主要手段。     

医用骨水泥在骨质疏松患者行椎弓根钉固定中的作用

目的：探讨应用骨水泥在骨质疏松患者行椎弓根钉同定术的临床效果和安全性。方法：对20例骨质疏松患者经骨水泥灌注后行椎弓根钉固定术，比较患者术后1周和复查时的X线片，观察内置物有无松动，骨水泥固定螺钉周围有无透亮线出现。并对复查患者行固定节段的CT扫描，观察螺钉周围有无透亮线出现。结果：18例(90％)患者获随访，平均随访时间18个月，X线片中均未发现内置物松动或脱出，固定节段植骨愈合良好．在骨水泥固定螺钉周围未发现有透亮线出现；CT扫描在螺钉周围也未发现透亮线出现。结论：对于骨质疏松患者．应用骨水泥对椎弓根钉固定进行加固可防止内置物松动脱出，有较好稳定脊柱的临床效果。但应注意手术技巧，确保没有骨水泥渗漏。     

椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗中上胸椎骨折的临床研究

目的探讨应用椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折的安全性和可行性。方法2001年3月~2005年1月,采用椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折21例,其中GSS固定15例,USS固定6例。结果21例均获随访,随访时间10~42个月,平均22·3个月,伤椎前缘高度由术前平均40%恢复至术后91%,术后CT示螺钉位置不良9枚,其中Ⅰ级6枚,Ⅱ级2枚,Ⅲ级1枚,术后无神经系统症状加重,无脑脊液漏。结论胸椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折可获得满意的复位,中上胸椎椎弓根螺钉固定有一定风险,根据术前脊柱正侧位X线片和CT片,正确选择螺钉直径及进针点、角度和深度及进钉方向,胸椎椎弓根螺钉在中上胸椎骨折中的应用是安全的。     

多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗中上胸椎骨折脱位

目的：回顾分析一组多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗中上胸椎骨折脱位的临床资料,探讨多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定的治疗效果及理论依据。方法：胸椎骨折脱位23例,男21例,女2例;年龄20～47岁,平均33.5岁。以累及椎体统计,23例共31椎体：T22椎,T32椎,T45椎,T56椎,T610椎,T74椎,T82椎。压缩骨折3例,爆裂骨折7例,骨折脱位9例,爆裂脱位4例。行多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗中上胸椎骨折脱位。结果：所有患者获随访,时间3～48个月,平均25.5个月。均无术中严重并发症发生,伤椎前缘高度由术前平均40.4%,恢复到术后平均90.3%;脊髓不完全损伤患者ASIA分级提高1～2级,脊髓完全损伤的患者感觉运动评分有不同程度上升,平均上升21.7分。结论：在中上胸椎骨折脱位治疗方面,多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定对损伤节段可得到满意的复位及固定效果,而且有效地预防远期伤椎椎体高度的丢失和内固定失败。     

椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折的临床研究

目的探讨应用椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2003年6月至2007年6月采用经椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折患者66例,男43例,女23例;年龄23～68岁,平均42.6岁;压缩性骨折35例,骨折脱位19例,爆裂性骨折12例。骨折部位：T_3 4例,T_4 8例,T_5 8例,T_6 16例,T_7 22例,T_8 8例。其中采用通用型脊柱内固定系统（general spine system,GSS）固定43例,AO通用脊柱内固定系统（Univer salspine system,USS）固定23例。脊髓神经功能按美国脊柱脊髓损伤学会（ASIA）标准分级：B级8例,C级23例,D级19例,E级16例。结果全部获得随访,随访时间为12～36个月,平均20.3个月。伤椎前缘高度由术前平均40%恢复至术后91%,螺钉位置不良6枚,术后无一例出现神经系统症状加重,随访时无一例出现内固定松动及断裂,伤椎高度及脊柱生理曲度均无丢失。结论椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗不稳定中上胸椎骨折可获得满意的复位。根据术前脊柱正侧位X线片和CT片正确选择螺钉直径及进针点、角度、深度及方向,操作安全,疗效满意。     

中上胸椎骨折脱位35例临床研究

目的探讨上胸椎骨折脱位的临床特点及手术治疗的方法与术后效果。方法回顾性分析中上胸椎骨折脱位35例患者的临床资料,术前脊髓神经功能按美国脊柱脊髓损伤协会（ASIA）标准分级：A级8例,B级12例,C级9例,D级6例。骨折3例,爆裂骨折18例,骨折脱位8例,爆裂脱位6例。均进行多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗中上胸椎骨折脱位。结果所有患者获随访,时间5～24个月,平均25.5个月,均无术中严重并发症发生。结论对于中上胸椎骨折脱位的治疗,多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定可使伤椎得到满意的复位及固定效果。     

个体化选定椎弓根螺钉入钉点治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折

目的：总结个体化选定椎弓根螺钉入钉点治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折的方法和体会。方法：测量胸腰段脊柱前后位X线片上椎弓根与上一椎体同侧下关节突的相互位置，以该下关节突为参照物，个体化选定椎弓根螺钉入钉点，使用RF及AF内固定系统治疗胸腰段脊柱骨折51例。结果：所有病例术后拍X线片复查，椎弓根螺钉置入位置良好，骨折椎体恢复正常高度，椎体滑脱得以复位。结论：通过测量胸腰段脊柱前后位X线片上椎弓根与同侧上一椎体下关节突的相互位置，以该下关节突为参照物，个体化选定胸腰段脊柞柞弓根螺钉入钉点是一个较好方法，术中入钉点处椎板后壁骨皮质部分的预先切除和正确的操作手法可以防止不良置钉发生。     

椎弓根钉固定在10岁以下小儿胸腰椎疾患治疗中的应用

目的：探讨10岁以下小儿胸腰椎椎弓根钉固定的可行性及安全性。方法：对19例平均年龄6．5岁的胸腰椎疾患患儿，2例骨折脱位患者采用后路短节段椎弓根钉复位固定；3例肿瘤患者采用后路切除肿瘤、短节段椎弓根钉固定；10例先天性半椎体患者采用后路半椎体切除、椎弓根钉矫形固定或前后联合手术；4例脊柱侧凸患者采用后路椎弓根钉矫形固定。椎弓根钉置入点及方向与成人相似，螺钉直径为拟固定椎弓根横径的80％～90％，长度达椎体的70％～80％。手术后观察各螺钉位置，随访观察内固定稳定性及神经功能情况。结果：共置入83枚椎弓根钉，术中3个椎弓根破裂造成矫形时螺钉松动，均上移或下移一个节段完成固定；术后检查3枚螺钉位置不良，因未造成神经损害，对固定的稳定性无影响，未做处理。无脊髓神经和血管损伤及感染。18例获得平均24个月随访，1例术后1年螺钉断裂进行了翻修，其余患者无内固定松动。3例术前有神经功能障碍的患者均有明显恢复。结论：在详细的术前计划，选择恰当直径的椎弓根钉、精湛的外科技术下行小儿胸腰椎椎弓根螺钉固定是安全可行的。     

胸椎椎弓根螺钉与椎弓根外侧螺钉固定治疗胸椎骨折的比较研究

目的回顾性分析比较胸椎椎弓根螺钉与椎弓根外侧螺钉固定治疗胸椎骨折的临床疗效。方法将24例胸椎骨折分为A组和B组,A组为经传统的胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入固定,B组为经椎弓根外侧螺钉置入固定,回顾性比较两组患者术中手术持续时间、出血量、X线透视次数、胸椎椎弓根骨壁穿透率,应用Frankel分级对术前、术后的脊髓功能进行评价。结果 A、B两组患者手术持续时间、术中出血量、术中X线透视次数及椎弓根骨壁穿透率均有显著性差异(P0.01),脊髓功能除A级7例无变化外,两组患者术后较术前均有1～2级的恢复,脊髓功能得到了较好的改善。结论胸椎椎弓根外侧螺钉固定治疗胸椎骨折具有手术时间缩短,出血量减少,手术更安全,术中对患者及术者的X线暴露量减少的优点,其疗效与传统胸椎椎弓根路径手术相近。     

下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术在临床中的应用

目的 :探讨下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术的临床应用。方法 :对2011年9月至2013年7月行下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定的32例患者进行回顾性分析,男20例,女12例;年龄21~78岁,平均56.4岁。其中10例为创伤性颈髓损伤,9例为颈椎管内肿瘤,7例颈椎后纵韧带骨化症,6例多节段颈椎病。所有患者术前行X线、CT、MRI及椎动脉MRA等影像学检查,术后及随访时行X线片及CT平扫明确螺钉的位置情况。根据Lee等4级分类法评价置钉的准确性,创伤性患者行ASIA分级评价脊髓功能变化,非创伤性患者采用JOA评分评价神经功能改善情况。结果:32例患者成功置入144枚下颈椎椎弓根螺钉,术后CT显示,0级132枚,1级5枚,2级5枚,3级2枚。有12枚螺钉穿破椎弓根,其中8枚螺钉穿破椎弓根外侧皮质,2枚螺钉穿破椎弓根下侧皮质,穿破椎弓根内侧、上侧皮质螺钉各1枚。术后随访12~33个月,平均(21.0±1.5)个月,6例完全性颈髓损伤患者术后神经功能虽无恢复,但截瘫平面下降1~3个脊髓节段。4例不完全性颈髓损伤患者术后按ASIA损伤分级提高1~2级。22例非创伤性患者术后6个月JOA评分平均(15.9±0.6)分,较术前(11.5±0.8)分明显提高(P<0.01)。所有患者未发现钉棒系统松动、断裂情况。结论:下颈椎椎弓根螺钉固定能提供优秀的三维稳定性。合理选择适应证,术前充分准备以及根据椎弓根形态个体化置钉可以最大限度的降低手术风险及手术并发症,值得临床应用推广。     

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.