手术治疗跟距骨桥疗效观察

目的探讨跟距骨桥的手术治疗方法及疗效。方法 2008年7月-2010年10月,手术治疗跟距骨桥患者10例。男4例,女6例;年龄16～70岁,平均53.5岁。先天性骨桥2例,继发性骨桥8例。跟距中间关节面骨桥3例,后关节面骨桥7例。术前患者疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为(9.0±0.4)分;根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)后足评分标准为(42.4±1.4)分。合并距下关节退变2例。8例单纯跟距骨桥患者行骨桥切除并脂肪组织植入,2例合并距下关节退变患者行骨桥切除联合距下关节融合术。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。8例获随访,随访时间12～36个月,平均18个月。末次随访时VAS评分为(2.0±0.7)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=6.425,P=0.000)。AOFAS后足评分为(86.9±2.3)分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=7.634,P=0.000)。单纯骨桥切除者末次随访时X线片检查示无骨桥复发及关节退变发生,关节融合者X线片示达骨性融合。结论跟距骨桥根据不同发生部位和合并症,分别采用单纯骨桥切除或联合距下关节融合术可取得较好疗效。     

手术治疗跟距骨桥临床疗效观察

目的探讨单纯性骨桥切除术治疗跟距骨桥的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2008年7月~2013年8月我院收治的15例跟距骨桥患者的临床资料,均行单纯性骨桥切除术。手术前后分别采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行疼痛评分,美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)后足评分标准评价踝关节功能。结果本组15例患者均获得随访,平均时间12.3(4~24)个月。术后所有患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无伤口或关节感染、血管神经损伤、跟距坏死等早期并发症发生。末次随访时VAS评分平均(1.7±1.2)分,明显低于术前的(8.7±0.3)分(P0.01);末次随访AOFAS后足评分平均(90.1±4.3)分,显著高于术前的(40.2±2.1)分(P0.001)。末次随访时X线检查示无骨桥复发及关节退变发生,未见关节间隙狭窄,患者进行负重行走时无明显不适。末次随访时对患者进行满意度调查:非常满意8例,满意5例,一般2例,满意率为86.7%。结论单纯性骨桥切除术是一种治疗跟距骨桥的有效方法。     

关节镜下改良后踝入路切除治疗成人疼痛性跟距骨桥

目的探讨采用关节镜下改良后踝入路切除治疗成人疼痛性跟距骨桥的疗效。方法 2015年1月-2017年12月,采用后踝高位外侧观察入路结合低位内侧操作入路切除治疗9例成人疼痛性跟距骨桥。男6例,女3例;年龄19~30岁,平均24岁。2例无明确局部外伤,7例有足踝部扭伤病史。病程6~30个月,中位病程12个月。跟距骨桥Rozansky分型:Ⅰ型5例(5足),Ⅱ型2例(2足),Ⅲ型2例(2足)。患者既往无肢体功能障碍后遗症、无肢体关节手术史。术后随访复查踝关节正侧位X线片、踝关节CT。比较手术前后疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝-后足评分。结果患者手术时间60~90 min,平均76 min。术后患者均获随访,随访时间12~24个月,平均18个月。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染、皮肤坏死、下肢深静脉血栓形成、血管神经及肌腱损伤、骨桥复发等并发症发生。术后踝关节功能恢复良好,疼痛明显缓解;患者于术后3~5个月,平均3.9个月重返工作岗位。末次随访时VAS评分为(0.7±0.5)分,与术前(4.2±0.5)分比较差异有统计学意义(t=20.239,P=0.000);AOFAS踝-后足评分为(94±4)分,与术前(62±2)分比较差异有统计学意义(t=–27.424,P=0.000),末次随访时获优7例,良2例。结论后踝高位外侧观察入路结合低位内侧操作入路显露跟距骨桥更直观,操作空间更大,操作过程更灵活,术中根据特定解剖标志程序化切除跟距骨桥,操作具有可行性。     

关节镜下跟距骨联合切除术

[目的]介绍关节镜下内后方入路行跟距骨联合切除治疗疼痛性跟距骨联合的手术技术与疗效。[方法]2014年7月～2017年3月,采用关节镜下经内后方入路跟距骨联合切除治疗疼痛性跟距骨联合患者12例。自后内侧建立通道,用刨刀刨除踝关节后方的脂肪组织,充分暴露出母长屈肌腱,然后刨除母长屈肌腱外侧的脂肪组织,充分显露出跟骨、距骨、胫骨的后缘。关节镜下可见骨性联合完全替代了关节间隙,用磨钻由后向前顺序磨除骨联合。采用VAS疼痛评分、美国足踝外科(AOFOS)后足评分,以及术后患者主观满意度评估临床疗效。[结果] 12例患者获得24个月随访。疼痛VAS评分由术前(6.82±0.80)分减少至末次随访时(1.52±1.20)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。AOFOS后足评分由术前(48.80±6.85)分提升至末次随访时(86.90±7.44)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。患者主观疗效满意度调查:满意8例,较满意2例,一般2例;满意率83.33%。12例患者术后24个月复查踝关节X线片未见跟距骨桥复发征象。[结论]对跟距关节无骨性关节炎、跟距骨联合面积未达到整个跟距关节面1/2的疼痛症状的骨联合,关节镜下行跟距骨联合切除术短期疗效优良。     

跟骨骨折的手术治疗策略及疗效分析

目的 探讨跟骨骨折的受伤机制、临床分型、手术治疗方法及其疗效.方法 2005年6月至2009年5月共收治70例(83足)闭合性新鲜跟骨骨折患者,男45例,女25例;年龄18～62岁,平均38.3岁.骨折根据Essex-Lopresti分类:关节外骨折20足(前突骨折5足,体部骨折9足,结节部骨折3足,内外侧突骨折3足),关节内骨折63足(舌状骨折25足,关节压缩型骨折38足).63足关节内骨折根据Sanders分型:Ⅱ型30足,Ⅲ型21足,Ⅳ型12足.采用常规足外侧"L"形切开复位普通钢板或锁定钢板内固定50足,微创切开复位螺钉固定20足,撬拨复位克氏针(或加螺钉)固定13足.20足骨缺损＞2 cm3,行骨移植治疗.术后采用美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分评价患者足部功能恢复情况. 结果 70例患者术后获12～30个月(平均18个月)随访.末次随访时70例患者83足AOFAS踝与后足评分平均为(90.3±11.0)分(48～100分).20足关节外骨折患者AOFAS踝与后足评分平均为(98.1±2.6)分(90～100分),无并发症发生.63足关节内骨折患者AOFAS踝与后足评分平均为(87.8±11.4)分(48～100分).并发症包括:切口皮缘坏死2足,经换药后创面闭合;腓肠神经损伤4足;距下关节创伤性关节炎10足. 结论 对于不同类型的跟骨骨折,术前慎重评估软组织损伤和骨折类型、程度,采用适当的治疗方法,可以获得较好疗效.关节外骨折的疗效明显优于关节内骨折.     

截骨融合治疗严重僵硬性马蹄足畸形的临床疗效观察

目的 :探讨截骨融合术矫正严重僵硬性马蹄足畸形的临床疗效。方法 :自2010年4月至2015年10月,采用空心钉行截骨关节融合术矫正13例(16足)严重僵硬性马蹄足畸形患者,其中男6例,女7例;年龄39~62(49.6±5.3)岁;病程5~27(9.0±4.8)年。采用三关节截骨融合术6例(9足),四关节截骨融合术4例(4足),胫距跟关节截骨融合术3例(3足)。所有患者术前表现为患足疼痛、足跟不能接触地面、无法行走。观察患者术后并发症情况,并采用AOFAS评分进行临床疗效评定。结果:13例患者获得随访,时间18~24个月,平均20个月。术后仅有1例出现伤口部分皮肤坏死,予伤口换药、抗感染治疗后痊愈。末次随访时所有患足达到骨性愈合,时间12~16周,平均13.2周。AOFAS评分由术前的11.85±10.66提高至术后的81.38±3.69,差异有统计学意义(t=-25.67,P0.05);其中良15足,可1足。结论 :根据患者情况,可采用胫距跟关节融合、三关节或者四关节融合术矫正部分严重僵硬性马蹄足畸形,并可取得较满意的临床疗效。     

关节镜下手术松解治疗跟骨骨折后距下关节僵硬

目的 探讨关节镜下手术松解治疗跟骨骨折后距下关节僵硬的临床效果.方法 2004年9月至2006年12月共治疗跟骨骨折后距下关节僵硬患者10例,其中男性8例,女性2例.年龄18～48岁,平均36岁.除2例为双足受累外,其余均为单足病变.根据AOFAS后足活动度分级标准,手术前10足为Ⅲ级,2足为Ⅱ级;AOFAS后足功能评分术前为71.4分.术中患者取侧卧位,分别建立外侧、前外侧、后外侧3种入路,逐步松解前方关节囊、距下关节外侧间隙、跟腓韧带、后方及后内侧关节囊.最后进行手法松解.结果 所有患者均获随访,随访时间12～36个月,平均24.5个月.末次随访时, AOFAS后足活动度分级标准9足后足活动度提高到Ⅰ级,3足提高到Ⅱ级,未见Ⅲ级病例.AOFAS后足功能评分术后为90.6分,与术前比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01).所有患者均在术后1～3个月(平均1.8个月)恢复原工作. 结论 关节镜下手术松解治疗跟骨骨折后距下关节僵硬具有微创、操作简单、疗效确切的优点.     

关节镜下清创结合微骨折术治疗局灶性距骨软骨损伤

目的探讨关节镜下清创结合微骨折术治疗局灶性距骨软骨损伤的临床疗效。方法对43例局灶性距骨软骨损伤患者进行治疗与随访。应用AOFAS评分和VAS疼痛评分对最终随访结果和术前评分进行对比,并对关节活动度和并发症进行评估。结果术前AOFAS评分为(70.9±3.6)分,术后为(84.3±4.7)分,术后较术前显著提高(P<0.05);VAS疼痛评分术前为(7.6±1.2)分,术后为(2.7±1.6)分,术后较术前显著降低(P<0.05);术后关节活动度正常,无严重并发症出现。结论关节镜下清创结合微骨折技术治疗局灶性距骨软骨损伤短期疗效满意。     

"双楔形"植骨距下关节融合术治疗复杂跟骨骨折畸形愈合

目的 探讨采用距下关节"双楔形"植骨距下关节融合术治疗复杂跟骨骨折畸形愈合的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2004年4月至2007年12月收治且获得完整随访的26例跟骨骨折畸形愈合Stephen Ⅲ型患者资料,男21例,女5例;年龄23～55岁,平均32.2岁;左足15例,右足11例.其中22例为后足内翻畸形,4例为外翻畸形.26例患者采用距下关节"双楔形"撑开植骨融合术进行治疗,术中行跟骨外侧壁骨赘切除及腓骨肌腱松解;撑开距下关节并刮除软骨关节面,植入前低后高,外侧低内侧高(双楔形)的三层皮质的自体髂骨;再用2～3枚空心钛钉固定距下关节.比较手术前、后距骨第一跖骨角及距骨跟骨角、美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分及视觉模拟评分(VAS).结果 26例患者术后获得平均18.9个月(12～38个月)随访.其中23例跟骨内外翻畸形明显改善,22例患足疼痛消失或明显减轻,未发生融合失败.3例切口皮缘坏死,经短期换药愈合.距骨第一跖骨角自术前17.40±2.90改善至术后6.1°±1.60°距骨跟骨角南术前16.2°±2.5°啵善至术后23.7±°3.0°,AOFAS评分自术前(34.8±8.2)分升至术后(83.9±7.0)分,疼痛评分自术前(7.8±0.7)分降至术后(2.1±1.5)分,以上指标手术前、后比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 "双楔形"撑开植骨距下关节融合术可明显改善跟骨内外翻畸形及疼痛症状,避免了复杂的跟骨截骨移位术.该术式并发症较少,是治疗复杂跟骨骨折畸形愈合的较好选择.     

四种手术方式行距下关节融合术治疗陈旧性跟骨骨折的疗效观察

目的 :观察采用4种手术方式行距下关节融合内固定术治疗陈旧性跟骨骨折的临床疗效。方法 :自2014年3月至2017年11月,采用4种手术方式行距下关节融合术治疗陈旧性跟骨骨折25例(26足),年龄23～70(36.7±5.8)岁,病程3～35(9.5±5.1)个月,距下关节原位融合术2例(2足),距下关节撑开植骨融合术6例(7足),跟骨"V"形截骨距下关节融合术6例(6足),跟骨体斜行截骨联合距下关节植骨融合术11例(11足)。观察患者手术并发症情况;比较术前及术后12个月距骨倾斜角、跟骨B觟hler角、Gissane角、跟距高度,术后12个月时采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)及美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分评估手术疗效。结果:21例(21足)患者获得随访,时间13～34 (20.1±3.7)个月,4例(5足)失访。术后2例手术切口裂开,1例骨折不愈合,其余病例未发生骨折不愈合及内固定松动或断裂等并发症。术前与术后12个月距骨倾斜角[(5.3±2.4)°vs (11.2±4.6)°,t=7.24,P0.05],跟骨B觟hler角[(5.4±2.7)°vs (25.5±5.3)°,t=11.2,P0.05],Gissane角[(89.4±9.6)°vs (122.0±5.2)°,t=8.13,P0.05],跟距高度[(28.5±5.1) mm vs (47.1±3.7) mm,t=6.45,P0.05]比较差异有统计学意义。术后12个月VAS评分1.6±0.7,较术前5.2±1.0明显改善(t=5.12,P0.05);术后12个月AOFAS评分86.2±5.2,较术前52.4±6.4明显提高(t=6.41,P0.05);其中优14足,良4足,可2足,差1足。结论:距下关节原位融合术、距下关节撑开植骨融合术、跟骨"V"形截骨距下关节融合术、跟骨体斜行截骨联合距下关节植骨融合术均为治疗陈旧性跟骨骨折的有效手术方式,具有缓解疼痛、纠正跟骨畸形、改善足部功能等优点,严格掌握各种手术方式的适应证是保证手术疗效的关键。     

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.