三种腰椎结核手术方式的比较研究

目的比较不同手术方式治疗腰椎结核的疗效。方法回顾分析2003-02-2010-08收治的88例腰椎结核患者,其中23例行一期前路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术,简称前路手术组(A组);25例行一期前路病灶清除植骨融合后路内固定术,简称前后路联合手术组(B组);40例行一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术,简称后路手术组(C组)。随访8~24个月,平均15个月。通过记录和观察三组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数及手术前后的Frankel分级、Cobb’s角、ESR值变化情况,进行相互比较分析。结果所有病例切口均I期愈合,无严重并发症发生。在平均手术时间、平均术中出血、平均住院天数上,A/C、B/C组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01),A/B组比较无明显差异(P>0.05)。三组术前术后的Frankel分级、Cobb’s角及ESR值变化程度比较无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论在严格把握手术适应证的基础上,一期后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗腰椎结核与前路及前后路联合术式均可获得较好的治疗效果,但后路术式手术时间短、出血少、住院时间短,是一种安全可行、更方便的手术方式。     

前后路联合Ⅰ期手术治疗胸腰椎结核

目的探讨前后路联合Ⅰ期手术治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法采用Ⅰ期后路椎弓根系统内固定同时前路病灶清除、椎体间植骨治疗胸腰椎结核患者28例。在X线片上测量术前、术后后凸角度（Cobb角），观察植骨融合情况，应用Frankel分级评分评估神经恢复情况。结果随访12～23个月，术后12～培个月所有患者均显示骨性融合。12例有神经症状的患者，术后均有一定程度的恢复，后凸畸形未见加重，无结核复发及切口感染。结论前后路联合Ⅰ期手术治疗胸腰椎结核，可以促进植骨融合和神经功能恢复，防止后凸畸形，临床疗效满意。     

一期单纯后路和前后联合入路病灶清除植骨内固定术治疗脊柱结核的临床疗效对比

目的对比一期单纯后路和前后联合入路病灶清除植骨内固定术治疗脊柱结核的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2011年1月—2015年1月本院收治的71例胸腰椎结核患者资料,行一期后路病灶清除植骨内固定术治疗37例(A组),行一期前路病灶清除植骨并后路内固定术治疗34例(B组)。2组患者术前均给予标准抗结核治疗2~3周,记录手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数、并发症发生率,以及手术前后红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、Cobb角和美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级。结果所有手术顺利完成,术后随访8~22个月,平均随访14个月。2组在手术前后Cobb角、ESR、CRP、ASIA分级、Cobb角纠正度及术后并发症发生率方面的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。A组在手术时间、术中出血量及住院天数方面均低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时所有患者均获得骨性融合,未出现结核复发及内固定松动、断裂等并发症。结论一期单纯后路病灶清除植骨内固定与前路病灶清除植骨并后路内固定治疗胸腰椎结核均可取得满意疗效,但单纯后路在手术时间、术中出血量及住院天数上均低于前后路联合入路,有明显优势。     

病灶清除植骨内固定术治疗腰椎结核48例临床观察

目的 探讨前路一期病灶清除、植骨、前路或后路内固定手术治疗腰椎结核的临床疗效.方法 自2001年8月-2006年12月对48例腰椎结核患者进行一期病灶清除植骨内同定,在X线片上测量术前术后后凸角度(Cobb角),观察植骨融合情况,应用Frankel分级评分评估恢复情况.结果 随访12-48个月,术后6-12个月所有患者均显示骨性融合,14例有神经症状的患者,术后神经功能均不同程度恢复,后凸畸形未见加重,无结核复发及切口感染.结论 一期病灶清除植骨内固定手术结合规范抗痨治疗腰椎结核,可以促进植骨融合,改善神经症状,防止后凸畸形,临床疗效显著、可靠.     

不同手术入路治疗腰椎结核疗效分析

目的比较不同手术入路治疗腰椎结核手术效果。方法手术治疗158例腰椎结核患者,分别采用侧前路入路手术病灶清除植骨钢板内固定59例（A组）、后路病灶清除减压内固定49例（B组）、前路减压病灶清除后路内固定50例（C组）。观察手术时间、出血量、截瘫缓解情况、植骨融合情况、后凸畸形矫正情况。结果平均手术时间：A组（170.5±18.3）min,B组（130.3±26.8）min,C组（208.5±18.3）min;平均出血量：A组（520.4±53）ml,B组（535.8±62）ml,C组（750.6±91）ml。组间比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。随访9-24个月。3组均无严重并发症发生,A组1例出现结核脓肿复发,窦道形成,经前路脓肿清除后治愈,1例术中损伤髂总静脉,行修补术。末次随访时所有植骨均获骨性融合,无内固定松动及断裂出现。3组的ASIA分级、Cobb角变化程度比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论一期侧前路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗胸腰椎结核,后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术以及前后路联合术式均可获得较好的治疗效果,但手术入路的选择应根据病灶侵蚀的范围、节段、患者的耐受能力以及手术者的习惯来决定。     

一期前路病灶清除、后路内固定并横突间植骨融合治疗胸腰椎结核

目的:评价一期前路病灶清除、后路内固定并横突间植骨融合治疗胸腰椎结核的临床疗效。方法:采用一期前路病灶清除、后路内固定并横突间植骨融合手术治疗胸、腰椎结核患者17例,按照Frankel分级评定患者手术前后的神经功能,根据X线片评价植骨融合时间,测量术前、术后后凸角度及随访期内的角度丢失。结果:17例患者结核病灶清除彻底,切口均Ⅰ期愈合、无窦道形成,结核治愈无复发。后凸畸形平均矫正19.2°;在随访期内,后凸畸形矫正有1°~4°丢失。X线片示植骨界面骨性融合时间平均5个月。3例出现并发症,对症处理后好转。结论:一期前路病灶清除、后路内固定并横突间植骨融合治疗胸、腰椎结核的疗效确切,具有迅速缓解症状、早期离床活动和较理想的脊柱矫形等优点,是治疗胸、腰椎结核的有效方法。     

后路短节段固定联合前路病灶清除治疗腰椎结核

目的探讨后路短节段椎弓根钉系统内固定联合一期前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗腰椎结核的临床效果。方法2005年6月-2008年9月我科共收治腰椎结核患者42例,随机分为两组。其中A组23例,采用后路短节段椎弓根钉棒系统内固定联合一期前路病灶清除植骨融合术进行治疗;B组19例采用前路钉棒系统固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术进行治疗。分别观察两组手术时间、出血量、手术并发症、脊髓神经恢复情况,植骨融合率以及临床满意率等临床指标。结果A组平均手术时间257min,出血量726ml。B组平均手术时间211min,出血量537mL。两组在手术时间及出血量等指标上具有统计学差异(P0.05)。术中无脊髓、神经、血管损伤等严重并发症。术后随访时间6～42个月,平均18个月。两组术前脊髓神经功能受损患者术后皆有不同程度恢复。植骨融合率A组为91.3%,B组为89.5%,两组比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。临床满意率A组为95.7%,B组为68.4%,两组比较有显著性差异(P0.05)。结论后路短节段椎弓根钉系统内固定联合1期前路病灶清除植骨融合治疗腰椎结核效果良好。     

皮质骨轨迹螺钉技术在老年腰椎结核中的应用

目的:探讨老年腰椎结核Ⅰ期行皮质骨轨迹(cortical bone trajectory,CBT)螺钉技术联合前路小切口病灶清除支撑植骨的临床疗效。方法:对2015年2月至2016年12月采用CBT螺钉技术联合前路小切口病灶清除治疗的22例腰椎结核患者进行回顾性分析,其中男13例,女9例,年龄(73.3±7.1)岁。Frankel分级:B级2例,C级5例,D级6例,E级9例。对手术前后视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Cobb角、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、Frankel分级进行分析,并观察手术并发症、内植物稳定性和植骨融合情况。结果:22例患者均获得随访,时间12～24(18.7±4.6)个月。有2例患者术后3个月发现前路手术对侧腰大肌脓肿增大,行B超定位下置管引流后治愈。余20例均Ⅰ期愈合,无窦道形成及脊柱结核复发。末次随访Frankel分级:C级3例,D级5例,E级14例。末次随访后凸Cobb角由术前的(17.68±3.86)°减少至(4.77±2.47)°;VAS评分由术前的(6.95±2.26)分减少至末次随访时的(2.18±1.59)分;ESR由术前的(47.14±20.85) mm/h降至末次随访的(16.77±11.42) mm/h。X线、CT检查均提示已骨性愈合,平均融合时间为(4.9±1.2)个月。结论:采用Ⅰ期皮质骨轨迹螺钉技术联合前路小切口病灶清除支撑植骨治疗老年腰椎结核是较为有效、安全的方法。     

一期后路固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗下腰椎结核的疗效分析

目的 研究一期后路固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗下腰椎结核的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2016年2月～2018年2月于本院治疗的47例下腰椎结核患者临床资料，其中25例采用一期后路固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术者设为联合组，22例单纯后路病灶清除植骨融合内固定者设为后路组。所有患者随访16～34个月，比较两组患者手术相关指标、疗效及并发症发生情况。结果 联合组手术时间、出血量、住院时间均显著低于后路组(P0.05);两组末次随访时的红细胞沉降率、ODI指数、VAS评分、ASIA分级均显著改善(P0.05)，但联合组ODI指数显著低于后路组(P0.05);末次随访时，联合组骨融合效果优于后路组(P0.05);两组并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 一期后路固定联合前路病灶清除植骨融合术治疗下腰椎结核虽然创伤更大，但有助于提高植骨融合率与腰椎功能改善效果，尤其对于骶前或腰大肌脓肿以及结核病灶累及前柱者更适用于前后路联合手术。     

一期后路微创内固定、前路病灶清除治疗胸腰椎结核

目的评估后路微创内固定前路病灶清除、植骨治疗胸腰椎结核中的应用。方法回顾从2009年6月至2011年6月,采用一期后路经小切口内固定前路病灶清除、植骨治疗胸腰椎结核27例,按照Frankel分级评定患者手术前、随访时的神经功能,根据X线片评价植骨融合时间,测量手术前、后脊柱后凸角度,记录手术时间和出血情况。结果 27例患者结核病灶清除彻底,切口均Ⅰ期愈合、无窦道形成,结核治愈无复发,手术时间平均250 min,出血量平均为750 mL,脊柱后凸角度(Cobb角)矫正平均为19.7°,随访时有1.0°～4.0°的丢失。植骨愈合时间平均4.6个月。神经功能恢复满意。结论一期后路小切口内固定前路病灶清除、植骨手术创伤小,能彻底清除病灶,有效矫正脊柱后凸,实现了将内固定安放在脓腔外,从而提高了感染的治愈率,为治疗胸腰椎结核的有效方法。     

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.