改良膀胱全切、原位回肠代膀胱术的疗效观察

目的:探讨膀胱根治术后行尿流改道的方法。方法:对17例男性膀胱癌患者行膀胱全切、原位回肠代膀胱术,采用改良的手术方法。结果:手术时间平均230min;输血量平均480ml;全部病例可完全控尿,需夜间定时排尿;膀胱最大贮尿量平均330ml,剩余尿均小于80ml。17例全部随访,时间7～48个月,平均19个月。术后仅发生单侧输尿管反流1例,肾功能衰竭死亡1例,肿瘤转移死亡1例。无电解质紊乱发生,未发现尿道肿瘤复发。结论:改良膀胱全切、原位回肠代膀胱术是膀胱根治术后尿流改道的较为理想术式。     

Studer新膀胱术控尿重要结构的保护

目的 探讨保护控尿重要结构对原位新膀胱功能的作用. 方法男性膀胱癌患者68例,平均年龄63(42～73)岁.均为多发浸润性膀胱癌.行根治性膀胱切除Studer新膀胱术,术中积极保护尿道横纹括约肌、阴部神经及尿道肌筋膜支持组织等控尿重要结构.对新膀胱术后的控尿功能进行随访. 结果手术时间210～360 min,输血0～800 ml,分期为T3aN0M0 20例,T2N0M048例.随访6～36个月,平均12个月.患者均恢复生理控尿.术后3个月时IVU显示新膀胱形态良好,上尿路无扩张,无反流及明显残余尿.BUN、SCr和电解质均无异常.术后6个月白天控尿率为100%,夜间遗尿1例,给予夜间定时唤醒排尿后克服.膀胱完全排空者59例,残余尿20～30 ml者9例.膀胱容量200～350 ml;充盈期膀胱压17～22 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa),排尿期膀胱压45～80 cm H2O;Qmax 16～32 ml/s. 结论保护控尿重要结构可改善Studer新膀胱的功能.     

去带盲结肠可控膀胱术

目的　改进膀胱癌患者膀胱全切后贮尿和排尿问题。　方法　对 2 3例全膀胱切除患者行去带盲结肠可控膀胱术。　结果　 2 2例术后随访 3～ 30个月 ,3个月后贮尿囊容量 45 0～ 6 0 0ml,平均 5 5 0ml,平均内压 (14± 8)cmH2 O(1cmH2 O =0 .0 98kPa) ,贮尿囊造影未见输尿管返流 ,IVU示上尿路无积水和输尿管狭窄 ,排尿控制良好 ,插管容易。　结论　去带盲结肠可控膀胱术是一种较为理想的尿流改道方法 ,具有较好的应用价值。     

改良全膀胱切除-原位回肠新膀胱术治疗膀胱癌的临床疗效(附12例报告)

目的：评价改良全膀胱切除方法和原位回肠新膀胱术的临床疗效。方法：对12例膀胱癌患者行改良全膀胱切除术．顺行分离膀胱顶部、侧壁上半部、底部,切断输尿管后改逆行分离。示指紧贴前列腺包膜将前列腺与直肠分开后,向上向外将膀胱颈部侧韧带和精囊尾的纤维束钩于示指掌握之中,切断并结扎。女性患者保留内生殖器及尿道内口。尿流改道采用原位回肠新膀胱术,并就手术并发症、术后控尿排尿情况、新膀胱容量、影像学和生化检查进行随访,随访时间8～62个月,平均35个月。结果：切除膀胱时间平均80min,术中平均出血450ml。原位回肠新膀胱控尿、排尿良好,术后静脉尿路造影、B超检查未见上尿路扩张,膀胱造影未发现输尿管反流,血生化检查正常,未发现新膀胱或尿道肿瘤复发。结论：改良膀胱切除术-原位回肠新膀胱术是治疗浸润性膀胱癌的理想方法。     

改良Modelski膀胱术的疗效观察(附9例报告)

为探讨膀胱疾病患者尿流改道的较好方法，对9例侵犯膀胱颈的浸润性膀胱癌患者于膀胱、前列腺及后尿道全切除后行改良Modelski膀胱术。随访2～60个月，疗效满意，患者排尿排便基本得到控制。认为此术式改进厂设计和吻合方法，代膀胱抗返流效果好，克服了传统的输尿管乙状结肠吻合术的逆行感染等许多缺点，手术比较简单，是尿流改道的较好方法。     

机器人辅助腹腔镜下根治性膀胱切除加尿流改道术的临床分析

目的 探讨采用da Vinci S机器人系统完成机器人辅助腹腔镜下根治性膀胱切除(robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy,RARC)加尿流改道术的临床可行性,并总结技术特点和临床效果. 方法 2007年12月至2012年3月膀胱尿路上皮癌患者22例,男20例,女2例.年龄37～ 72岁,平均62岁.体质指数22.5 ～ 30.1 kg/m2,平均26.1 kg/m2.麻醉评分1～2分.术前肿瘤活检病理诊断为浸润性或高危的非肌层浸润性膀胱尿路上皮痛,术前检查均未发现有其他邻近脏器浸润、盆腔淋巴结转移或远处转移,临床分期均低于T2N0M0.全麻下行RARC加尿流改道术,其中行体外尿流改道术15例(原位新膀胱2例,回肠膀胱术13例),行完全腹腔镜下尿流改道术7例(回肠膀胱术2例,原位新膀胱5例). 结果 本组22例手术均获得成功.手术时间300 ～ 667 min,平均480 min;出血量100 ～ 1200 ml,平均550 ml;淋巴结清扫数目6～ 25枚,平均15枚.术后2～3d下地活动,3～4d肠功能恢复,术后住院时间8～35 d,平均16d.行原位新膀胱的患者术后1个月行膀胱造影确定无吻合口漏后拔除尿管和双侧输尿管支架管.术后随访4 ～ 49个月,平均32个月,复发2例,死亡1例,出现肾积水2例,其余病例肾功能均正常,尿控较满意. 结论 根据初期的手术操作过程和随访结果,RARC加尿流改道术在临床上是可行的.更多的操作经验、长期和随机的对照研究将有助于对这一技术进行评估和推广.     

体外协助尿流改道的腹腔镜全膀胱根治性切除术

目的 探讨体外协助尿流改道的腹腔镜全膀胱根治性切除术的疗效.方法 2006年6月～2012年6月施行体外协助尿流改道的腹腔镜全膀胱根治性切除术28例,全膀胱切除和盆腔淋巴结清扫均在腹腔镜下完成,标本自下腹部小切口取出,体外协助尿流改道采用回肠膀胱术（Bricker手术）和原位回肠新膀胱2种术式,其中Bricker手术22例、原位回肠新膀胱术6例.结果 均一次手术成功,腹腔镜盆腔淋巴结清除及全膀胱切除手术时间150～240 min,平均180 min;体外协助尿流改道时间90～270 min,平均150 min;术中出血200 ～900 ml,平均350 ml;肠功能恢复时间3～4d.6例原位回肠新膀胱2～4周拔除导尿管,能正常排尿,无尿潴留和肾功能损害发生.26例随访6～36个月,平均15个月,1例术后23个月死于复发及远处广泛转移,2例死于其他内科疾病,其余患者一般情况良好,未见肿瘤复发及转移.结论 体外协助尿流改道的腹腔镜全膀胱根治性切除术疗效满意.     

低张力Roux-y乙状结肠新膀胱在尿流改道中的应用

目的 评价全膀胱切除后低张力抗尿粪逆流Roux-y乙状结肠新膀胱在尿流改道中的疗效.方法 21例患有浸润性膀胱癌的患者施行了膀胱全切、低张力抗尿粪逆流Roux-y乙状结肠新膀胱术,术后随访8～79个月,平均36个月,尿动力学检查包括尿流率、残余尿、膀胱容量和充盈期膀胱压力测定.结果 21例患者最大尿流率21.4～38.4 ml/s,平均28.1 ml/s,排尿时间9～28 8,平均17 s,无残余尿,尿意容量120～410 ml,平均330 ml,膀胱容量350～560 ml,平均480 ml,膀胱充盈期末压力14.2～18.6 cm H2O(1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa),平均16.4 cm H2O,最大排尿压23.6～63.4 cmH2O,平均45.0 cm H2O.结论 低张力Roux-y乙状结肠新膀胱具有良好的储尿功能,是一种有效的可控尿流改道方法.     

腹腔镜及开放根治性肾输尿管膀胱切除术治疗上尿路肿瘤合并膀胱癌8例报告

目的探讨腹腔镜和开放根治性肾输尿管膀胱切除术治疗上尿路肿瘤合并膀胱癌患者的可行性和安全性。方法收集我院2004年6月至2009年3月期间收治的8例单侧上尿路肿瘤并浸润性膀胱癌行根治性肾输尿管膀胱切除术及尿流改道手术患者的临床资料并进行随访分析。结果本组8例。男7例,女1例,平均年龄56岁。术前经膀胱镜、输尿管镜、B超和CT等检查证实为单侧上尿路肿瘤并浸润性膀胱癌,其中4例左肾盂癌和2例右肾盂癌合并膀胱癌,2例为左输尿管癌合并膀胱癌。2例行腹腔镜肾输尿管膀胱切除术及回肠膀胱术,平均手术时间470min,术中平均出血量275ml,均无输血,术后肠功能恢复时间为2d,下床活动时间为4d。6例患者行开放肾输尿管膀胱全切除术,其中4例行回肠膀胱术,另2例行输尿管造口术,平均手术时间366min,平均出血量767ml,平均输血量485ml,术后肠功能恢复时间为3.3d,下床活动时间平均为6.7d。8例患者术后均未出现并发症。术后病理结果 7例为尿路上皮癌,上尿路肿瘤分期分级为T2～4N0～1M0G2,膀胱癌为T2～3N0M0G3,另1例为左肾盂鳞癌T4N1M0合并膀胱鳞癌T3N0M0。术后平均随访24.6个月,鳞癌患者术后18个月因肿瘤广泛转移死亡,余7例患者无瘤生存至今。结论单侧上尿路肿瘤合并膀胱癌可行Ⅰ期根治性肾输尿管膀胱切除术,腹腔镜下行该手术是可行及安全的,较开放手术创伤小,出血少,恢复快。     

机器人辅助全腹腔镜下"紫砂壶型"原位回肠新膀胱的临床疗效分析

目的探讨机器人辅助全腹腔镜下"紫砂壶型"原位回肠新膀胱患者的尿控和肿瘤学预后。 方法以2017年5月至2019年6月连续进行的10例机器人辅助根治性膀胱切除+回肠原位新膀胱术患者为研究对象，男9例，女1例，年龄（63±11）岁，极高危非肌层浸润膀胱癌5例，肌层浸润性膀胱癌5例；术后随访时间为12～37个月。记录手术视频、术后90 d内并发症、随访期间患者的尿控恢复、分肾功能、上尿路影像学结构改变以及肿瘤学预后。 结果10例患者均顺利完成全腹腔镜下机器人辅助根治性膀胱切除回肠原位新膀胱手术，手术时间（584±56）min，出血量（655±275）ml，术后进食时间1～3 d；1例患者术后6个月行切口疝修复术，其余无Ⅲ级以上并发症。5例（50%）患者术后6～12个月尿流动力学检查提示最大尿流率及平均尿流率分别为（6.3±4.5）ml/s、1.80（0.30）ml/s，术后新膀胱充盈尿量及残余尿量分别为（525±273）ml、161（227）ml，患者日间完全控尿9例（90%），夜间完全控尿8例（80%）。随访期间，发现4侧肾盂轻度扩张，监测分肾功能正常。1例患者术后18个月出现肺转移，其余患者未发现局部复发及转移。 结论"紫砂壶型"回肠原位新膀胱是在Studer型、VIP型回肠新膀胱基础上的储尿囊成型技术改进，术后新膀胱功能良好，能有效保护上尿路形态，恢复排尿功能。     

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.     

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.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

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.