肝移植术后中远期黄疸的临床观察与护理

目的:分析肝移植术后中远期黄疸的原因并总结相关的护理经验及护理体会.方法:对2005年6月～2008年12月我科收治的821例肝移植术后患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析统计.结果:122例患者于肝移植术后中远期发生黄疸,原因分别为胆道并发症59例,排异反应36例,病毒(嗜肝、非嗜肝)感染11例,药物性肝损害5例,肿瘤复发4例,Gilbert综合征4例,乳头肌功能紊乱3例,血管并发症2例,放射性肝炎2例,不明原因黄疸2例.结论:肝移植术后中远期黄疸的原因多样而复杂,临床上应针对不同病因,及时实施有钟对性的护理措施,并选择合理的护理方案,从而使移植受者获得长期生存.     

肝移植治疗布加综合征九例

目的 总结原位肝移植术治疗布加综合征的经验和体会.方法 回顾性分析2003年12月至2010年4月9例布加综合征患者接受肝移植治疗的临床资料,总结术前影像学评估和手术经验,并观察术后并发症的发生情况及受者存活情况.结果 术前9例患者均经腹部CT强化扫描及血管重建等检查明确诊断,并行腔静脉造影明确梗阻情况及分型.9例患者中,接受尸体供肝移植者8例,均采用经典非转流术式;接受亲属活体右半供肝移植1例.术后免疫抑制方案为他克莫司+吗替麦考酚酯+皮质激素.9例受者术后平均随访时间为32.8个月(13～61个月),期间出现癫痫发作1例,十二指肠乳头及功能不良1例,小肝综合征1例,以及肺部感染4例;1例接受了中度脂肪肝供肝的受者于术后12d因原发性移植肝无功能行再次肝移植;1例受者于术后6个月因发生胆道并发症导致移植肝功能丧失而行再次肝移植,该例患者术后35个月死于肝脏肿瘤复发.所有患者未发生流出道梗阻及布加综合征复发.9例受者术后1和2年存活率为100％(9/9),术后3年存活率为88.9％(8/9).结论 通过准确的影像学评估和选择适宜的手术方式,肝移植已成为治疗布加综合征的重要手段,受者预后良好.     

急诊肝移植治疗急性肝功能衰竭22例的临床分析

目的 探讨急诊肝移植治疗急性肝功能衰竭的效果.方法 回顾分析2003年1月至2009年1月间22例急性肝功能衰竭患者急诊行肝移植的临床资料,对患者预后、存活率及并发症等情况进行总结.结果 22例患者中,与乙型病毒性肝炎相关肝功能衰竭14例,与药物相关性肝功能衰竭8例.术前等待供肝的平均时间为2.3d.围手术期死亡3例(13.6％),1例于术后5个月时死于严重肺部感染,1例于术后6个月时接受再次肝移植治疗,其他受者术后移植肝功能恢复良好.手术并发症主要为腹腔出血2例,胆道并发症2例,无血管并发症.非手术并发症主要包括不同程度的肾功能障碍22例,肺部感染11例,排斥反应3例,神经与精神症状17例,癫痫1例.术后1、2、3年受者存活率分别为81.8 ％(18/22)、81.8 ％(18/22)和81.8 ％(18/22),移植物存活率分别为81.8％(18/22)、77.3 ％(17/22)和77.3％(17/22).结论 急诊肝移植治疗急性肝功能衰竭的效果良好,术前应合理评估供肝和受者情况,减少等待供肝时间,术后有效地处理各种并发症是提高受者预后的关键.     

成人间左半肝移植九例报告

目的 观察成人左半肝移植的临床效果,并探讨其可行性.方法 回顾性分析2007年3月至2011年4月间9例成人左半肝移植的临床资料,其中5例为尸体供肝劈离式肝移植,4例为活体左半供肝移植.9例供肝的重量平均为444.6 g(325～570g),移植物重量与受者体重比平均为0.886％(0.65％～1.18％),其中7例包含肝中静脉.6例采用背驮术式,3例采用经典术式.有4例受者因术中门静脉压超过20 mm Hg(2.67 kPa),其中3例结扎了脾动脉,1例接受了脾切除术.术后所有受者均常规使用他克莫司+吗替麦考酚酯+皮质激素的三联免疫抑制方案.术后对受者进行长期随访,观察血管并发症和胆管并发症的发生情况及受者肝功能恢复状况和存活情况.结果 4例活体供者切取左半肝后均未发生严重并发症,肝功能恢复良好.9例受者术后平均随访时间为15.7个月(1～51个月),移植物和受者术后1年存活率均为77.8％(7/9).术后有2例受者死亡,其余7例中1例发生肝功能恢复延迟,6例移植肝功能恢复顺利.术后发生胆管吻合口狭窄1例,小肝综合征1例,门静脉血栓形成1例,肝功能恢复延迟1例,以及腹腔感染2例.结论 在严格选择供、受者的前提下,成人左半肝移植是安全、可行的,且效果良好.     

劈离式肝移植术后胆管并发症

目的 探讨体外劈离式肝移植术后胆管并发症的危险因素及其防治措施.方法 2006年6月至2010年9月,我院共施行劈离式肝移植术33例,其中1例于术后10 d死亡,予以排除.其余32例患者中男性18例,女性14例,平均年龄33.4岁(6个月～65岁).胆管重建方式胆管端端吻合20例,胆肠吻合12例.胆管并发症的诊断依靠T管造影、经皮经肝胆管造影(PTC)、经内镜逆行胆胰管造影、磁共振胰胆管造影(MRCP)等方法.胆管并发症定义为存在需要外科、介入、内镜等方法治疗的胆漏或胆管狭窄.结果 受者中位随访时间13.5个月(3～54个月).32例患者中11例患者发生12次胆管并发症(37.5％),其中肝断面胆漏3例(9.3％),胆管吻合口漏4例(12.5％),左肝管残端漏1例(3.1％),胆管吻合口狭窄1例(3.1％),缺血性胆管狭窄3例(9.3％).8例发生胆漏的受者中6例经手术或穿刺放置引流后痊愈,2例因腹腔内感染死亡.单因素分析表明,移植物类型、胆管重建方式等均不是肝断面胆漏的危险因素.结论 与全肝移植和活体肝移植相比,劈离式肝移植术后胆管并发症尤其是胆漏更为常见.进一步防治胆管并发症是改善劈离式肝移植预后的重要因素.     

体外劈离式肝移植22例临床分析

目的 总结22例体外劈离式肝移植的临床经验.方法 回顾性分析2006年6月至2010年1月间22例劈离式肝移植的临床资料,第一阶段(2006年6月至2(D7年2月)移植10例,第二阶段(2009年1月至2010年1月)移植12例.共对11例供肝进行劈离,获得22个移植物,其中超右半肝8个,左外侧叶肝8个,含肝中静脉的右半肝3个,不含肝中静脉的左半肝3个.观察术后移植肝功能的恢复情况、血管和胆道并发症的发生率及受者的存活率.结果 22例受者术后中位随访时间为11.7个月(0.5～43个月),术后1年和3年累积存活率分别为82%和63.7%.动脉并发症的发生率为9.1%,胆道并发症发生率为33.3%.22例受者中有5例死亡,其中2例的死亡原因与外科技术并发症相关,但均为第一阶段移植的受者.结论 随着供肝劈离技术和部分肝移植技术的进步,体外劈离式肝移植的受者和移植肝的存活率与全肝移植相近.应在我国推广此技术,从而增加供肝数量.缩短受者等待移植的时间.     

肝移植术后肝动脉并发症的再次肝移植治疗

目的 探讨再次肝移植治疗肝移植术后肝动脉并发症的可行性及手术时机.方法 回顾性分析2003年12月至2006年12月收治的13例肝动脉并发症患者再次肝移植的临床资料.结果 再次肝移植的无肝期、手术时间和首次移植比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.291,P=0.312),术中出血量、ICU停留时间和首次移植比较差异有统计学意义[(3.1±1.1)L比(1.5±0.9)L(P=0.005),(4.3±1.8)d比(3.2±2.5)d(P=0.015)].围手术期病死率为38.5%(5/13),其中移植间隔1个月内死亡1例(1/4),超过1个月死亡4例(4/9).死亡原因分别为急性肾功能衰竭2例、严重感染2例、心肌梗死1例.8例存活,随访6～51个月,中位生存时间22.5个月.结论 再次肝移植是治疗肝移植术后肝动脉并发症导致不可逆性肝功能损害时的惟一有效手段.选择适宜的手术时机和手术方式、调整免疫抑制方案、加强围手术期管理是提高再次肝移植疗效的关键.     

器官捐献时代再次肝移植单中心回顾性研究

目的总结再次肝移植的病因、预后及并发症防治。 方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年12月复旦大学附属华山医院完成的26例再次肝移植供、受者临床资料。根据再次肝移植时间不同,将2015年1月至2017年12月(代表公民逝世后器官捐献时代早期再次肝移植治疗经验探索期)完成的再次肝移植受者纳入早期移植组(共9例),将2018年1月至2019年12月完成的再次肝移植受者纳入成熟期移植组(共17例)。根据移植间隔时间不同,将26例受者分为移植间隔>1年组(15例)和移植间隔≤1年组(11例)。采用两独立样本t检验比较早期与成熟期移植组受者再次肝移植术前年龄、终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分、手术时长、供肝冷和热缺血时间、无肝期时长及术后第7、14天血清白蛋白水平。采用Mann-Whitney U检验比较两组受者移植间隔时长、术中出血量和输血量以及术后第7、14天总胆红素、ALT和AST。采用Kaplan-Meier法计算再移植术后受者生存率并绘制生存曲线,采用Log-rank检验比较早期与成熟期移植组、移植间隔>1年与≤1年组受者术后2年生存率。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果再次肝移植病因包括：胆道并发症8例,移植物失功8例,原发病复发4例(肝细胞肝癌复发),慢性排斥反应2例,首次肝移植术后急性肝功能衰竭2例,血管并发症2例(门静脉血栓和肝动脉栓塞各1例)。早期移植组受者术中无肝期时长和术后第7天血清白蛋白分别为(53.3±7.9)min和(34±5)g/L,成熟期移植组受者分别为(45.1±1.8)min和(38±4)g/L,差异均有统计学意义(t＝3.098和-2.111,P均<0.05)。早期移植组肝移植术前年龄、MELD评分、移植间隔时长、手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、供肝冷和热缺血时间、术后第7天总胆红素、ALT和AST以及术后第14天总胆红素、ALT、AST和白蛋白差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。随访至2020年10月1日,26例受者中位随访时间为715 d(105～1 842 d),期间9例受者均于术后1年内死亡(早期移植组6例,成熟期移植组3例)。早期移植组和成熟期移植组受者术后2年累积生存率分别为33.3%和82.4%,差异有统计学意义(χ²＝6.248,P<0.05)。移植间隔≤1年组和移植间隔>1年组受者术后2年累积生存率分别为54.5%和73.3%,差异无统计学意义(χ²＝0.990,P>0.05)。 结论胆道并发症及移植物失功能是再次肝移植的主要原因,器官捐献成熟时期的再次肝移植预后优于器官捐献时代早期。因再移植受者病情复杂、手术困难,应谨慎进行再次肝移植手术评估。合理的个体化治疗能够为再次肝移植受者带来良好预后。     

肝肾联合移植36例的预后分析

目的 分析肝肾联合移植36例的治疗效果及存活情况.方法 回顾性分析20022011年单中心施行的36例肝肾联合移植的临床资料.受者的年龄为(47.4±13.1)岁,术前4例曾接受过肝移植,7例曾接受肾移植.统计术后并发症发生情况及受者和移植物的存活情况.结果 存活受者随访47.9个月(29.1～115.7个月).术后1、3和5年受者存活率分别为88.7％、85.4％和81.4％;1、3和5年移植肝存活率分别为79.8％、76.3％和72.3％;1、3和5年移植肾存活率分别为85.7％、82.4％和78.2％.3例受者因严重胆道并发症进行了再次肝移植,1例受者因移植肾功能丧失进行了再次肾移植.结论 肝肾联合移植是治疗终末期肝病伴肾功能衰竭的有效方法,受者和移植物可获得良好的预后.     

劈离式肝移植10例临床分析

目的 评价劈离式肝移植(SLT)的临床效果,并探讨其可行性.方法 回顾性分析2006年6月至2007年1月问10例SLT的临床资料,观察受者术后肝功能恢复状况,受者及移植肝存活率以及血管并发症、胆管并发症的发生率.结果 10例受者术后中位随访时间16个月(1～23个月),受者及移植肝1年存活率均为70%(7/10).肝动脉血栓形成1例(10%),胆管并发症4例(40%).结论 尽管SLT仍存在较高的技术并发症发生率,但受者及移植物存活率与全肝移植相近.为解决供者短缺的严重问题,可在临床上选择性应用SLT.     

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.