枢椎后路侧块螺钉固定的解剖研究

目的:通过解剖测量验证枢椎后路侧块螺钉固定技术的可行性。方法:用电子游标卡尺和量角器,对50例干燥枢椎标本测量与进钉技术相关的解剖学数据,包括枢椎椎弓根的宽度和高度以及枢椎侧块螺钉的钉道长度和螺钉的内斜角度与上斜角度。结果:枢椎椎弓根的上缘宽度平均7.56mm,全部大于5.0mm;中部平均宽度5.70mm,22%小于5.0mm,7%小于3.5mm;下缘平均宽度3.95mm,75%小于5.0mm,40%小于3.5mm。枢椎椎弓根外缘高度5.62mm,40%小于5.0mm,5%小于3.5mm;内缘高度8.80mm,均大于5.0mm。枢椎侧块螺钉的钉道平均长度为18.33mm,最短15.32mm,最长20.87mm。枢椎侧块螺钉的平均内斜角度为5.35°,上斜角度为58.62°。结论:进行枢椎后路侧块螺钉固定是可行的,适用于93%的患者,比枢椎后路椎弓根螺钉固定具有更大的适用范围。     

C7后路椎板螺钉固定解剖学可行性研究

目的:测量C7椎板的解剖学参数,探讨C7后路椎板螺钉固定的可行性。方法:用游标卡尺和量角器测量22具成人C7标本与椎板螺钉进钉技术相关的解剖学数据,指标包括椎板上、中、下部分的厚度(分别为T1、T2、T3),椎板高度(H),进钉点至椎弓根内侧壁及侧块外侧壁的距离(分别为L1、L2),椎板轴线与矢状面的夹角(α)。结果:椎板上部厚度(T1)平均为(4.30±0.27)mm;中部厚度(T2)平均为(5.32±0.27)mm,27%(6例)小于4.50mm;下部厚度(T3)平均为(4.78±0.26)mm;椎板中下部厚度均大于4.50mm;椎板高度(H)平均为(14.83±0.26)mm;进钉点至椎弓根内侧壁的距离(L1)平均为(26.99±0.48)mm;最长钉道长度(L2)平均(41.60±1.10)mm;椎板与矢状面夹角(α)平均(49.3±1.1)°。结论:C7后路椎板螺钉固定是可行的,适用于多数患者(73%)。与C7椎弓根螺钉技术相比,椎板螺钉技术更简单,神经血管损伤的可能性更低。     

枢椎椎板螺钉联合寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎脱位

目的 评价枢椎椎板螺钉联合寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎脱位的临床可行性.方法 对5例枢椎椎弓根细小的寰枢椎脱位患者,在气管插管全身麻醉下施行了枢椎椎板螺钉联合寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定术.枢椎椎板螺钉的进钉点位于棘突两侧椎板交界处,交叉置人对侧椎板内;寰椎椎弓根螺钉的进钉点位于枢椎侧块中线上,距寰椎后弓上缘最少3 mm,内斜10°,上斜5°.螺钉直径3.5 mm,枢椎椎板螺钉长26～32 mm,寰椎椎弓根螺钉长28～32 mm,结合自体髂骨植骨.结果 患者获得随访3～18个月,平均7.5个月.未发生椎动脉、脊髓损伤,术后临床症状得到不同程度的改善,X线、CT复查螺钉位置良好,无松动、断钉,植骨3个月后均达到满意融合.结论 枢椎椎板螺钉联合寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎脱位效果满意,是又一可供选择的寰枢椎后路固定术式.     

用微创理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的探讨用微创理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳的方法及临床效果。方法采用后路椎弓根螺钉技术对23例寰枢椎不稳定的患者进行内固定。手术前均行颅骨牵引复位,术前先在X线片及CT上测定好进钉点以及角度、方向,选择螺钉、连接板的长度。寰椎进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁开18～20mm与后弓下缘以上2mm的交点,螺钉内斜角度为0°,上斜角度为5°。枢椎进钉点为枢椎下关节突根部中点,螺钉角度上斜30°,内斜约10°,螺钉直径3．5mm,寰椎螺钉长28—32mm,枢椎螺钉长22—26mm。结果均达到解剖复位、术中未损伤脊髓和椎动脉,术中出血量82（68～96）ml,2例齿状突骨折出现过度复位,术中经重新调整后解剖复位。本组平均随访15（10—25）个月,所有患者均症状消失,植骨融合,无内固定松动、断裂。结论用微创的理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳可提高手术的精确度并将手术创伤降到最低。     

枢椎后路棘突螺钉固定技术及其解剖学研究

目的 明确枢椎后路棘突螺钉固定的解剖学可行性和技术参数,为临床应用提供参考.方法 选取30具枢椎标本,仔细解剖以清楚地暴露椎板和棘突.测量枢椎棘突根部1/2的中点、中部和后部1/2的中点高度;棘突根部的头侧1/2的中点、中部和根部的尾侧1/2的中点厚度(精确到0.01 mm).选取20具枢椎标本,以棘突基底部为进钉点,双侧平行置入棘突螺钉,通过CT重建,测量棘突的宽度、螺钉进钉角度、钉道长度及钉尖与脊髓、椎动脉的距离.结果 枢椎棘突平均高度和厚度各自为(12.90±1.30)mm和(18.86±1.17)mm.所有棘突螺钉均成功置入枢椎棘突,未见螺钉侵犯椎管、横突孔和棘突劈裂.重建CT测量棘突中份基底部的平均宽度为(20.7±1. 3)mm;棘突螺钉在横断面的前倾角度为1.8°±1.0°,在横断面上和矢状面上几乎均是平行.螺钉钉道长度为(19.7±1. 1)mm,螺钉钉尖与椎动脉距离为(20.2±3.1)mm,螺钉钉尖与脊髓距离为(8.3±2.6)mm,上下位左右侧螺钉角度与椎动脉和脊髓的距离数据略有不同,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但上位螺钉钉道长度(18.4±1.1)mm明显短于下位螺钉钉道长度(20.3±1.2)mm,差异有统计学意义(t=3.566,P＜0.01).结论 枢椎后路棘突螺钉具有一定的解剖学可行性,也许可以作为枢椎后路固定的一种补充内固定方法,但临床应用之前,尚需进一步的生物力学研究.     

枢椎椎板螺钉固定的解剖可行性研究

目的:评价对国人进行枢椎椎板螺钉固定的可行性,探讨进钉技术。方法:用电子游标卡尺和量角器在30例干燥枢椎标本上测量与进钉技术相关的解剖学数据,包括枢椎椎板的厚度,棘突根部、椎板和下关节突的高度。设定枢椎椎板螺钉的进钉点位于枢椎棘突中线两侧5mm,上位螺钉距椎板上缘5mm,对侧的下位螺钉距椎板上缘9mm,螺钉在棘突根部上下交叉进入对侧椎板,并于下关节突中心点出钉,测量上位和下位椎板螺钉的钉道长度和进钉角度。结果:枢椎椎板上缘、中部、下缘的厚度分别是3.02mm、5.91mm和5.59mm;枢椎棘突根部、椎板和下关节突中部的高度分别是12.40mm、12.95mm、14.03mm;上位和下位椎板螺钉的平均长度分别是25.41mm和27.39mm;上位螺钉前斜26.4°,下斜7.6°;下位螺钉前斜30.1°,上斜1.4°。结论:对国人进行枢椎椎板螺钉固定在解剖学上是可行的,该方法可作为传统枢椎后路螺钉固定技术的补充。     

后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的探讨应用寰椎侧块螺钉与枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎不稳的疗效。方法2002年2月至2004年3月,采用寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术治疗寰枢椎不稳15例,男9例,女6例;年龄15～57岁,平均39.5岁;齿突陈旧性骨折5例,先天性游离齿突4例,新鲜齿突骨折6例(AdersonⅡC型)。所有患者均伴有寰枢椎半脱位或不稳,表现为不同程度的颈枕区疼痛,活动受限。术前JOA评分5.1￣10.9分,平均7.6分。术前行颅骨牵引。寰椎侧块螺钉进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁18￣20mm与后弓下缘以上2mm的交点处,钉道与冠状面垂直,矢状面上螺钉头端向头侧倾斜约5°。枢椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点为枢椎下关节突根部中点,钉道与矢状面夹角约15°,与横断面夹角约30°。螺钉直径3.5mm,寰椎侧块螺钉长28～32mm,枢椎椎弓根螺钉长22～26mm。应用Vertex7例,Axis3例,Cervifix5例。结果15例患者共置入寰椎侧块螺钉和枢椎椎弓根螺钉各30枚。术后无一例患者发生脊髓和椎动脉损伤。所有患者均获随访,随访时间10～25个月,平均14个月。术后6个月JOA评分13.2～16.8分,平均14.8分,改善率为87.5%。骨折的齿突均骨性愈合,植骨块全部融合,无内固定断裂、松动。结论后路寰椎侧块螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定具有稳定的三维固定效果,可用于治疗寰枢椎不稳。     

寰椎椎弓根螺钉置钉的解剖与临床研究

目的：建立和验证寰椎后路椎弓根螺钉固定的进钉技术。方法：利用40套干燥配套寰枢椎标本测量进钉技术的相关参数，而后临床应用该技术方法置钉并行X线、CT复查其准确性。结果：寰椎椎弓根平均宽度为7．78mm，进钉点在寰椎椎弓根中线外侧2．2m，螺钉进钉点可由经枢椎下关节突中点的纵垂线来确定；手术中该方法不仅能简化操作过程，而且术后检查发现螺钉均准确置入。结论：用枢椎下关节突中点作为术中判定寰椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点的方法准确可靠。     

多种寰枢椎后路钉棒固定技术的临床组合应用

目的评价3种寰椎后路螺钉固定方法和2种枢椎后路螺钉固定方法构成的钉棒组合治疗上颈椎不稳的可行性和临床效果。方法在气管插管全麻下对132例患者施行了寰枢椎后路钉棒固定技术,寰椎进行椎弓根螺钉、部分经椎弓根螺钉或侧块螺钉固定;枢椎进行椎弓根螺钉或交叉椎板螺钉固定。结果全组病例获钉棒固定,其中寰椎螺钉固定采用椎弓根螺钉224枚,部分经椎弓根螺钉36枚,侧块螺钉4枚;枢椎螺钉固定采用椎弓根螺钉240枚,椎板螺钉24枚。术中未发生椎动脉、脊髓损伤。120例患者术后获得随访3～22个月,平均8个月,临床症状得到不同程度的改善;X线片、CT复查螺钉位置良好,无松动、断钉,植骨3～6个月后均达到满意融合。结论寰椎和枢椎螺钉可进行多重组合,为上颈椎后路提供灵活多变的短节段固定,增加了钉棒固定技术的临床适用范围。     

寰椎椎弓根与枢椎侧块关系的解剖与临床研究

目的研究寰椎椎弓根与枢椎侧块的位置关系,建立以枢椎侧块为解剖标志的寰椎椎弓根螺钉进钉定位技术,并通过临床应用评价其可靠性。方法取50套干燥寰枢椎标本,测量寰椎椎弓根和枢椎侧块的内缘、中点(内、外缘中点)、外缘与正中矢状线的垂直距离,计算寰椎椎弓根与枢椎侧块的内缘间距、中点间距和外缘间距,建立寰椎椎弓根螺钉进钉定位技术。临床应用该定位技术进行后路寰椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗寰枢椎不稳患者6例,男5例,女1例;平均年龄41岁。其中游离齿突1例,齿突发育不良3例,齿突陈旧性骨折2例。结果寰椎椎弓根的内缘、中点、外缘分别在枢椎侧块的内缘、中点、外缘的内侧(1.37±0.51)mm、(1.60±0.61)mm、(2.15±0.60)mm处。确定寰椎椎弓根螺钉的进钉点为:经枢椎侧块内、外缘的中点作纵垂线,与寰椎后弓上缘交点的正下方3.0mm处。6例患者共放置寰椎椎弓根螺钉12枚,术中无脊髓和椎动脉损伤等并发症,术后X线及CT扫描显示螺钉位置均良好。结论枢椎侧块与寰椎椎弓根间存在较恒定的解剖位置关系,枢椎侧块可作为术中确定寰椎后弓显露范围和判断寰椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点的解剖学标志,可简化术中繁琐的定位操作。     

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.