基于椎动脉变异判别的Ⅲ代TARP钢板治疗寰枢椎脱位的个性化置钉

目的:探讨应用基于椎动脉变异判别的Ⅲ代TARP钢板治疗寰枢椎脱位的个性化置钉策略.方法:选择2010年6月～2011年12月实施手术治疗的22例寰枢椎脱位患者,年龄22～58岁,平均41岁.男9例,女13例. 其中外伤性寰枢椎脱位6例,游离齿状突合并的寰枢椎脱位9例,合并颅底凹陷症的寰枢椎脱位7例.均实施经口咽入路松解、复位、内固定手术术前对患者的寰枢椎实施层厚1 mm的薄层CT扫描判定枢椎椎动脉孔类型(Ⅰ型,松散低拐;Ⅱ型,紧密高拐;Ⅲ型,紧密低拐;Ⅳ型,松散高拐),并行CT血管造影,判断优势椎动脉及其他血管变异情况.寰椎采用前路侧块螺钉,枢椎根据以下原则选择置钉方式:①优势椎动脉侧采用枢椎椎体螺钉技术,非优势侧采用逆向椎弓根螺钉技术;②Ⅱ型枢椎椎动脉孔采用枢椎椎体螺钉技术,其他型采用逆向椎弓根螺钉技术.测量术前、术后寰齿间隙(ADI)及垂直寰枢椎指数(CMA)判断寰枢椎复位情况,测量脑干脊髓角评价脊髓压迫改善情况.采用JOA评分判断患者脊髓功能改善情况.结果:手术均顺利完成,共置入枢椎逆向椎弓根螺钉28枚,枢椎椎体螺钉16枚.平均手术时间139±35min,平均出血量49±16ml.术后复查CT显示,28枚逆向枢椎椎弓根螺钉中有1枚外倾角偏大,部分进入椎动脉孔,但无临床症状;16枚枢椎椎体钉均位于椎体内.置钉总优良率97.7％术后CT测量提示,ADI由术前7.9±4.4mm改善为2.1±1.7mm,CMA由术前129°±13°改善为158°±15°(P＜0.05).术后患者肢体麻木,肌肉无力等症状均较术前有明显改善.术前JOA评分9.1±1.6分,术后3个月复查恢复至15.8±0.9分(P＜0.05),末次随访时为15.9±0.7分.结论:在实施TARPⅢ手术,术前采用寰枢椎薄层CT扫描结合椎动脉CT造影的方法进行评估有助于精确判断椎动脉变异的类型,根据变异类型选择个性化的置钉方法有助于降低手术风险.     

经口咽寰枢椎侧块关节复位块状骨支撑植骨治疗颅底凹陷症并寰枢椎脱位

目的:探讨经口咽寰枢椎侧块关节牵开复位、三面皮质块状骨支撑植骨、内固定治疗颅底凹陷症合并寰枢椎脱位的价值.方法:2009年12月～2011年12月我院收治33例合并寰枢椎脱位的颅底凹陷症患者,均有脊髓压迫症状.术前寰齿间隙(ADI)3.8～12.1mm (7.9±3.9mm),齿状突顶部与Chamberlain线的垂直距离(DCL) 3.0～15.6mm (9.3±6.2mm),寰枢椎垂直脱位指数(VAAI)0.35～0.51 (0.46±0.07),颈髓延髓角(CMA)112°～145°(127°±13°),JOA评分7～10分.均采用经口咽寰枢椎侧块关节牵开复位、三面皮质块状髂骨支撑植骨、TARP内固定术治疗.记录手术时间、手术出血量等,观察并发症发生情况.术后随访8～23个月,平均11.5个月,复查影像学评价寰枢椎脱位复位和脊髓压迫改善情况,采用JOA评分改善率对脊髓功能改善情况进行评价,在CT扫描图像上观察螺钉位置及植骨融合情况.结果:手术时间110～185min (145±35min),出血量35～85ml(58±18ml).共置入寰椎侧块螺钉66枚,枢椎逆向椎弓根螺钉41枚,枢椎椎体螺钉25枚.术后钉道扫描显示,寰椎螺钉均位于侧块内,2枚逆向枢椎椎弓根螺钉偏外进入椎动脉孔,导致椎动脉孔闭塞,小脑缺血梗死,其余枢椎螺钉均无偏差.术后发生咽后壁感染1例,将钢板取出后改行后路手术获得愈合.术后CT重建图像显示陷入枕骨大孔的齿状突获得较理想复位,脊髓受压解除,ADI改善为0.2～4.5mm( 2.3±2.1 mm),VAAI改善为0.6～0.84(0.74±0.08),CMA改善为140°～178°(157°±15°),与术前比较均有显著性差异(P＜0.01).植骨块镶嵌在寰枢侧块关节间隙,术后6～11个月均获骨性愈合.术后患者肢体麻木、肌肉无力等症状均较术前有明显改善,术后3个月复查JOA评分恢复至13～16分(15.2±0.9分),末次随访时为13～17分(15.3±0.8分),与术前比较均有显著性差异(P＜0.01).结论:经口咽寰枢椎侧块关节牵开复位三面皮质块状髂骨支撑植骨内固定术是治疗颅颈交界区病变的有效方法,但有一定风险和难度,应在严格掌握手术适应证和严格围手术期处理的条件下合理应用.     

寰椎提拉螺钉术中复位治疗寰枢椎脱位

目的总结应用寰椎椎弓根提拉螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉行后路提拉复位固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎脱位的疗效。方法 2010年1月—2014年12月本院共收治27例寰枢椎脱位患者,均有不同程度的枕颈部疼痛和活动受限,并伴有神经功能障碍,美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级:B级2例,C级17例,D级8例;日本骨科学会(JOA)评分4~14分,平均8.3分。MRI示20例患者有不同程度的脊髓受压,其中8例脊髓受压节段髓内出现T2加权像高信号改变。患者均为寰椎前脱位,术前均进行颅骨牵引,17例部分复位,10例不可复位。术前寰齿间距(ADI)4~15 mm,平均10.3 mm;颈髓延髓角(CMA)113.1°~135.7°,平均120.9°。均采用寰椎椎弓根提拉螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉行后路提拉复位固定植骨融合术,观察患者术后临床症状和神经功能改善情况及寰枢椎复位和植骨融合情况。结果所有患者均顺利完成手术,术中均未发生椎动脉和脊髓损伤。患者随访6~36个月,平均20个月。术后CT及MRI示寰枢椎序列重建满意,齿突区域脑脊液线清晰,脊髓无压迫。术后6个月随访时患者神经功能明显改善,2例B级患者提高至C级;17例C级患者中2例提高至E级,15例提高至D级;8例D级患者均提高至E级。JOA评分10~17分,平均14.6分,平均改善率78.4%。术后ADI 2~4 mm,平均2.6 mm;CMA139.2°~152.4°,平均144.6°。术后6个月随访时所有患者获得骨性融合;随访期间未发现螺钉松动、移位和断裂及寰枢椎再移位、失稳现象。结论寰枢椎脱位会造成寰枢椎不稳及脊髓受压,应用寰椎椎弓根提拉螺钉结合枢椎椎弓根螺钉后路提拉复位技术治疗可获得良好的临床效果。     

经口咽前路松解复位后路椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位

目的:探讨经口咽前路松解后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉复位内固定治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位的临床疗效.方法:2004年3月-2006年7月共收治11例难复性寰枢椎脱位患者,临床症状均有四肢麻木并进行性加重.术前神经功能JOA评分6～12分.平均8.5分,均施行经13咽前路寰枢椎松解,一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉系统进一步提拉复位、内固定、植骨融合术,随访观察临床疗效并进行X线、CT、MRI等影像学检查,观察复位、内固定及植骨融合情况.结果:平均手术时间4.3h,平均出血量630ml,术中出现硬膜破裂l例,椎弓根钉切割1例,未出现椎动脉损伤和脊髓损伤加重患者.随访12～24个月,平均16个月,术后1年时神经功能JOA评分10-17分,平均13.5分,平均改善率58.8%.手术后颈椎旋转功能均有不同程度的丢失,旋转范围为80.～120.,平均100..所有患者均获得解剖复位、植骨融合,无内固定失败者.结论:经口咽前路寰枢椎松解复位后路椎弓根螺钉提拉复位、内固定、植骨融合术,对难复性寰枢椎脱位有较好的临床疗效.     

一期前路松解后路椎弓根钉固定融合治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位

目的 探讨经口咽入路前路松解一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定植骨融合治疗难复性寰枢椎前脱位的临床疗效,方法 2005年1月～2010年2月,采用经口咽入路前路松解,一期后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定植骨融合治疗难复性寰枢椎脱位合并高位颈脊髓压迫共21例.男15例,女6例;年龄26～70岁,平均51岁;病程6～30年.陈旧性齿状突...     

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.     

前路枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定通道的CT测量及临床应用

目的:探讨CT扫描测量指导前路枢椎椎弓根螺钉置人的临床应用价值.方法:对20具干燥枢椎标本行椎弓根螺钉置入,然后应用CT测量进针的角度、钉道长度以确定最佳进钉点,并根据测量数据和术前影像学检查对10例难复性寰枢椎脱位患者行前路寰枢椎复位椎弓根螺钉固定植骨融合术,观察寰枢椎复位及螺钉位置情况.结果:枢椎椎弓根的平均长度为25mm,进针点距离枢椎正中线6.6mm,安全进钉的角度向外倾斜21°±2°,下倾10°±2°.10例患者寰枢椎均完全复位,枢椎椎弓根螺钉均位于椎弓根钉道内.结论:前路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定有较高的安全性,术前行CT扫描对于前路寰枢椎内固定手术有重要的指导意义.     

寰椎后弓椎板钩联合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定治疗游离齿状突并可复性寰枢椎脱位

背景：游离齿状突并可复性寰枢椎脱位常需要手术治疗,但目前缺乏操作简单且安全有效的寰枢椎内固定方式。 目的：评估寰椎后弓椎板钩联合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定植骨融合治疗游离齿状突并可复性寰枢椎脱位的疗效。 方法：回顾性分析2005年7月至2012年6月采用寰椎后弓椎板钩联合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定自体髂骨植骨融合术治疗游离齿状突并可复性寰枢椎脱位患者l1例。对脱位复位情况、内固定植骨融合率、JOA功能评分、影像学评估及术后并发症等进行分析。 结果：11例术中均未发生椎动脉和脊髓损伤。术后均获得随访,随访时间为12~37个月,平均25个月,均未发生内固定物松动、断裂,术后疼痛和神经症状均得到缓解,术后JOA评分较术前明显改善（P＜0.01）,寰枢椎均融合。 结论：寰椎后弓椎板钩联合枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定植骨融合术治疗游离齿状突并可复性寰枢椎脱位是一种安全有效的方法。     

寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定与融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的观察采用寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定与融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳的效果。方法对21例寰枢椎不稳行寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定与融合术。结果本组平均随访23个月,神经症状得到不同程度的改善;螺钉位置良好,6个月后患者均获植骨融合;术后8个月JOA评分(13.9±2.1)分。结论寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定治疗寰枢椎不稳是寰枢椎后路固定较好的手术方式。     

寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定术治疗寰枢椎不稳疗效分析

目的探讨经寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定术治疗寰枢椎不稳的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2015-06—2018-12采用后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定术治疗的32例寰枢椎不稳,术中稳定寰枢椎复合体,在寰椎后弓和枢椎椎板间植骨。结果32例均获得随访,随访时间6~24个月。术中、术后均未发现椎动脉、脊髓、神经根损伤,颈部疼痛、僵硬及神经功能均明显改善。术前JOA评分为(7.7±0.8)分,术后3个月改善为(14.6±0.7)分,术后1年为(15.3±0.8)分;术后3个月JOA评分改善率为(76.3±5.4)%,术后1年JOA评分改善率为(83.5±7.3)%。本组寰椎、枢椎各置入64枚椎弓根钉,术后复查寰椎60枚椎弓根钉位置良好、枢椎64枚椎弓根钉位置良好,寰椎4枚椎弓根钉穿入椎动脉孔内侧约1 mm,考虑与内倾角度不足,但按置钉标准位置仍属于良好。27例行后路植骨者均骨性融合,5例因枢椎骨折脱位行C1~3固定且未植骨者术后6个月骨折愈合后拆除内固定物。结论寰枢椎椎弓根钉内固定术治疗寰枢椎不稳能显著增强寰枢椎稳定性,且复位满意、固定节段短、植骨融合率高,可取得满意疗效。     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

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.     

The multiply injured child

Blunt trauma is the principal cause of childhood death in many developed countries. This review outlines the differences between adults and children with respect to resuscitation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries in a child with polytrauma. Recent advances in techniques of fracture stabilization are reported.     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.     

Intravenous endotoxin does not increase tissue extravasation of albumin in rats

Background : It is unclear whether activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) increases or decreases the extravasation of plasma.
Methods : Chloralose anaesthetised male Wistar rats received E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS), 3 mg kg^-1 i.v., or the corresponding volume of saline, 3 or 5 h before the end of the experiment. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Tissue clearance of radio-labelled albumin, during the last 2 h of each experiment, was determined by a double-isotope method. In separate animals, the serum concentration of nitrite and nitrate was determined, 5 h after LPS or the solvent.
Main Results : LPS initially decreased MAP and lastingly increased HR. In the 3-h LPS animals (n=8), tissue plasma clearance was lower in the heart and calf muscle and increased only in diaphragm, compared to corresponding control animals (n=8). In the 5-h LPS rats, clearance was lowered (n=8) in the entire gastrointestinal tract and in testes, compared to controls (n=8). The serum nitrite/nitrate concentration was higher in animals given LPS (n=6) than in controls (n=6).
Conclusion : After LPS, tissue clearance of albumin was not increased in any major tissue, in spite of increased serum levels of NO end products. Apparently, after activation of iNOS, the augmented release of NO is not necessarily associated with increased albumin extravasation.     

Adrenaline markedly improves thoracic epidural analgesia produced by a low-dose infusion of bupivacaine, fentanyl and adrenaline after major surgery: A randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with and without adrenaline

Background: Basic pharmacological research indicates that there are synergistic antinociceptive effects at the spinal cord level between adrenaline, fentanyl and bupivacaine. Our clinical experience with such a mixture in a thoracic epidural infusion after major surgery confirms this. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects on postoperative pain intensity, pain relief and side effects when removing adrenaline from this triple epidural mixture. Methods: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, cross-over study was carried out in 24 patients after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Patients with only mild pain when coughing during a titrated thoracic epidural infusion of about 10 ml · h^?1 of bupivacaine 1 mg · ml^?1, fentanyl 2 μg · ml^?1, and adrenaline 2 μg · ml^?1 were included. On the 1^st and 2^nd postoperative days each patient was given a double-blind epidural infusion, at the same rate, with or without adrenaline. The effect was observed for 4 h or until pain when coughing became unacceptable in spite of a rescue analgesic procedure. Rescue analgesia consisted of up to two epidural bolus injections per hour and i.v. morphine if necessary. All patients received rectal paracetamol 1 g, every 8 h. Fentanyl serum concentrations were measured with a radioimmunoassay technique at the start and end of each study period. Main outcome measures were extent of sensory blockade and pain intensity at rest and when coughing, evaluated by a visual analogue scale, a verbal categorical rating scale, the Prince Henry Hospital pain score, and an overall quality of pain relief score. Results: The number of hypaesthetic dermatomal segments decreased (P <0.001) and pain intensity at rest and when coughing increased (P <0.001) when adrenaline was omitted from the triple epidural mixture. This change started within the first hour after removing adrenaline. After 3 h pain intensity when coughing had increased to unacceptable levels in spite of rescue analgesia (epidural bolus injections and i.v. morphine). Within 15–20 min after restarting the triple epidural mixture with adrenaline, pain intensity was again reduced to mild pain when coughing. Serum concentration of fentanyl doubled from 0.22 to 0.45 ng · ml^?1 (P <0.01), and there was more sedation during the period without adrenaline. Conclusions: Adrenaline increases sensory block and improves the pain-relieving effect of a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl infused epidurally at a thoracic level after major thoracic or abdominal surgery. Serum fentanyl concentrations doubled and sedation increased when adrenaline was removed from the epidural infusion, indicating more rapid vascular absorption and systemic effects of fentanyl.