胸乳入路腔镜手术治疗甲状腺良性肿瘤的临床应用

背景与目的 传统开放甲状腺手术会在颈前部留下瘢痕,严重影响颈部美观,尤其对于年轻女性且有瘢痕体质的患者,会造成较大的心理创伤。腔镜甲状腺手术可经过乳晕、腋窝或胸乳等入路进行病灶的切除,具有隐形疤痕的作用,但有部分观点认为腔镜甲状腺手术因为要建立皮下通道及手术空间,其创伤更大。因此,本研究通过对比行经胸乳入路腔镜手术与传统开放手术治疗的甲状腺良性肿瘤患者的临床指标,进一步评价腔镜甲状腺手术安全性与可行性。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月—2021年1月江苏省扬州市中医院外科手术治疗106例甲状腺良性肿瘤患者的临床资料,其中52例采取经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术（腔镜组）,54例采取传统开放手术（开放组）。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、住院时间、切口美容效果满意度、视觉模拟评分（VAS）及术后并发症发生情况。结果 腔镜组手术时间长于开放组［（115.3±22.7）min vs.（87.5±26.4）min,P=0.037］;术中出血量、引流量均少于开放组［（22.3±6.4）mL vs.（45.2±7.1）mL,P=0.009;（25.6±6.5）mL vs.（49.5±12.7）mL,P=0.011］;腔镜组住院时间短于开放组［（4.52±0.31）d vs.（7.81±0.86）d,P=0.027］;腔镜组切口满意度评分高于开放组［（9.33±1.40）分 vs.（3.41±1.24）分,P=0.033］;腔镜组VAS评分低于开放组［（1.77±0.34）分 vs.（4.52±0.55）分,P=0.024］;腔镜组总术后并发症发生率低于开放组（6.2% vs. 18.4%,P=0.018）。结论 与开放甲状腺手术比较,经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺手术切口小、疼痛轻、出血少、恢复快、并发症发生率低,美容效果显著,值得临床进一步推广应用。     

保留乳头乳晕皮下腺体切除加假体联合补片乳房一期重建与保乳整形手术治疗乳腺癌比较的单中心回顾性研究

背景与目的 中国女性乳腺癌发病年龄早,保乳手术和乳腺切除术后乳房重建是避免乳腺癌患者失去乳房的合理选择。近年来保乳整形术式的推广使得小乳房患者保乳术后仍能维持较好外形。使用假体联合钛网补片（TiLoop Bra）的乳房重建技术相对简单,便于推广,也能在乳房全切后较好重塑乳房外形。本研究通过回顾性分析评估两种方法在手术效果与满足患者术后美观需求方面的优劣,以期为临床决策提供参考。方法 回顾性分析2019年1月—2021年10月在中南大学湘雅医院乳腺外科接受以上两种手术的早期乳腺癌患者资料,其中接受保乳整形手术（保乳组）与保留乳头乳晕皮下腺体切除加假体联合补片一期乳房重建手术（乳房重建组）的患者各40例。收集患者的基本临床病理特征信息,两组的手术时间、术后留置引流管时间、术后住院时间、住院费用以及手术相关并发症等信息,使用Breast-Q量表评估患者术后满意度。结果 保乳组在手术时间、术后留置引流管时间、术后住院时间以及住院费用上均明显优于乳房重建组（均P<0.001）。乳房重建组乳头麻木的发生率明显高于保乳组（P<0.001）;乳房重建组发生皮瓣坏死4例,保乳组无皮瓣坏死发生,但差异无统计学意义（P=0.079）;两组间血肿、切口感染、脂肪坏死和组织挛缩的发生率差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。两组患者的心理健康、身体健康、性健康及对乳房外形的满意度差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。结论 两种手术方式的美学效果相似。皮瓣坏死为假体联合补片一期乳房重建中的严重并发症,背阔肌肌皮瓣覆盖创面可作为补救治疗手段。满足保乳手术适应证的患者,应优先考虑保乳整形的手术方式;存在保乳手术禁忌证的患者,但有乳房外形要求的,合理评估后实施保留乳头乳晕腺体切除加假体联合补片一期乳房重建也是一个可选方案。     

胚系BRCA突变年轻乳腺癌术式选择对预后影响的Meta分析

背景与目的 携带胚系BReast CAncer基因（gBRCA）突变的年轻乳腺癌患者同时具有年轻与基因突变带来的双重风险。目前对于gBRCA突变早期乳腺癌患者是否可行保乳治疗目前尚无一致结论。本研究通过Meta分析探讨不同手术方式对gBRCA突变的年轻乳腺癌患者预后的影响，以及该影响是否有人种差异。方法 检索多个国外数据库，收集比较gBRCA突变早期乳腺癌患者行保乳手术与全乳切除术预后差异的临床研究，对无复发生存（RFS）、无转移生存（MFS）、乳腺癌特异性生存（BCSS）、总生存（OS）等指标进行Meta分析。结果 最终纳入6篇研究（中国2篇，欧美4篇），共2 140例gBRCA突变患者，中位年龄38~47岁。Meta分析结果显示，总体人群中，gBRCA突变患者行保乳手术较全乳切除术复发风险增高（RFS：HR=1.91，95% CI=1.03~3.54，P<0.05），但两种术式的MFS、BCSS、OS差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）；中国人群中，gBRCA突变患者行保乳手术较全乳切除术复发风险增高（RFS：HR=1.63，95% CI=1.10~2.41，P<0.05），两种术式的其余指标差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05），欧美人群中，两种术式的上述指标差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。结论 对于欧美人群，保乳手术不是gBRCA突变早期年轻乳腺癌术后预后的风险因素；但在中国人群中，gBRCA突变早期年轻乳腺癌患者行保乳手术可能具有更高的复发风险，需在术式选择的医疗决策时充分告知。     

Legion工具在Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术中的应用

目的 探讨在初次人工全膝关节置换术（total knee arthroplasty, TKA）中应用Legion工具完成Genesis Ⅱ膝关节假体置换术的可行性及临床意义。方法 将中国人民解放军总医院第一医学中心收治的60例单侧内翻型初次TKA病人按随机数字表法分成Legion工具组及Genesis工具组,所有病人均采用Genesis Ⅱ假体,分别采用对应的工具为两组病人完成手术。对病人术前及术后的美国膝关节协会评分（Knee Society Scores, KSS）、最大屈曲角度、术后人工关节被遗忘指数（Forgotten Joint Scores, FJS）及影像学指标进行对比分析。结果 两组病人均获得1年随访,未出现切口相关并发症;术后3个月Legion工具组KSS临床评分及功能评分均高于Genesis工具组［（81.55±4.81）分 vs. （79.05±4.10）分,t=2.165,P=0.035;（84.89±4.60）分 vs. （81.33±5.14）分,t=2.820,P=0.007）］,术后12个月两组KSS评分的差异无统计学意义;术后12个月Legion工具组FJS评分优于Genesis工具组［（94.03±6.50）分 vs. （89.62±6.10）分,t=2.706,P=0.009）］,病人膝关节最大屈曲角度较Genesis工具组大（123.48°±7.63° vs. 108.19°±9.12°,t=2.436,P=0.018）。结论 使用Legion工具行Genesis Ⅱ置换术,可以发挥其简单、精准、微创、个性化的特点,获得更好的临床疗效。     

后外侧结构重建对后外侧入路全髋关节置换术后早期脱位的影响

目的 探讨后外侧结构重建对后外侧入路全髋关节置换术（total hip arthroplasty, THA）后早期脱位的影响。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2018年1月于我院行后外侧入路初次THA的病人120例,根据术中是否修补关节囊及外旋肌群将病人分为两组：观察组60例,舌形切开关节囊,术中将关节囊及外旋肌群原位缝合在大转子后方及臀中肌肌腱附着处;对照组60例,切除后关节囊,术中未进行外旋肌群修补重建。术后3个月内发生的脱位定义为早期脱位,比较两种方法对术后早期脱位率的影响。记录并比较两组病人的手术时间、术腔引流量、髋关节Harris评分。结果 观察组手术时间为（51.6±9.5） min,对照组为（45.1±7.5） min,对照组手术时间短于观察组,差异有统计学意义（t=2.008,P=0.036）。观察组术腔引流量为（129.6±11.9） ml,对照组为（136.8±12.4） ml,差异无统计学意义（t=1.187,P=0.269）。观察组未发现早期脱位,对照组早期脱位4例（4/60,脱位率为6.667%）,观察组术后Harris评分为（86.1±5.0）分,对照组为（85.9±5.5）分,差异无统计学意义（t=1.416,P=0.092）。结论 在后外侧入路THA过程中行后外侧结构重建的手术方式早期脱位率低,修补关节囊及外旋肌群对维持髋关节软组织平衡有一定意义。     

腔镜与开放保乳手术治疗早期乳腺癌的近期疗效比较

背景与目的 乳腺癌发病率高，目前以手术治疗为主，保乳手术（BCS）是早期乳腺癌常用的手术方式，但我国保乳率低，传统开放保乳术后切口疤痕仍明显。目前，具有术后美容效果好、患者满意度高的腔镜微创技术已应用于乳腺外科BCS治疗，但因其手术操作难度大、术中定位难等，导致其在国内开展少，研究数据有限。因此，本研究通过比较腔镜BCS与开放BCS治疗早期乳腺癌的近期疗效，探讨腔镜BCS的临床应用价值。方法 回顾性收集中国人民解放军陆军军医大学第一附属医院乳腺甲状腺外科2019年1月—2022年12月681例0~Ⅱ期单侧乳腺癌并接受BCS的患者临床资料，其中79例接受腔镜BCS（腔镜组），602例接受传统开放BCS（开放组）。对两组患者基线资料进行1∶1倾向性评分匹配（PSM）后，比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果 PSM前，两组间基线资料存在明显差异（部分P<0.05）；PSM后，两组各79例，均衡组间差异后，组间各项基线资料均衡可比（均P>0.05）。与开放组比较，腔镜组手术时间延长（Z=-5.415，P<0.001），住院费用增加（Z=-6.042，P<0.001）。两组在术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数目、引流量和住院时间方面差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。在术后30 d并发症中，两组在术中副损伤、出血、感染、皮瓣坏死、皮下积液发生率差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05），但总并发症发生率腔镜组少于开放组（P=0.043）。Breast-Q量表评分结果显示，腔镜组患者在对术后乳房外形的满意度以及身体健康、性健康方面均优于开放组（均P<0.05）。结论 腔镜技术应用于早期乳腺癌BCS具有术后并发症少、患者满意度高，还可改善患者术后生活质量，是一种可行的手术方式。     

CT导航系统在重度僵硬性脊柱畸形矫形术中的置钉准确性及临床疗效评估

目的 评估CT导航系统在重度僵硬性脊柱畸形矫形术中的置钉准确性及临床疗效。方法 回顾性纳入2017年1月至2022年12月我院收治的43例重度僵硬性脊柱畸形病人,其中21例采用术中CT导航系统辅助置钉（421枚螺钉）的病人纳入导航组,22例采用传统徒手置钉（386枚螺钉）的病人纳入徒手组。收集两组病人的一般资料、手术前后主弯Cobb角、矫正率、置钉数量以及顶椎区域置钉数量。采用Gertzbein和Robbins分级分析两组病人术后CT图像,以评估置钉准确性。结果 两组病人手术前后主弯Cobb角及矫正率比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。较之徒手组,导航组置入于顶椎区域的螺钉数量更多［（7.37±1.12）个 vs. （6.45±0.96）个］,手术时间更长［（376.19±56.26） min vs. （331.36±50.92） min］,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;但出血量无明显差异（P＞0.05）。两组病人总体置钉准确率比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.586）;但在顶椎区域,导航组置钉准确率显著高于徒手组（96.1% vs. 89.4%,χ²=5.051,P=0.025）。此外,术中CT导航系统明显降低了椎弓根内侧穿孔率（χ²=5.122,P=0.024）。结论 CT导航系统可有效提高重度僵硬性脊柱畸形顶椎区域的置钉准确性。     

改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗足母中重度外翻的临床分析

目的 探究改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2017年1月我院收治的50例中重度足母外翻病人的临床资料,依据手术治疗方式的不同将其分为改良Chevron截骨治疗组（20例,36病足）和联合手术治疗组（30例,50病足,改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术）。应用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统评价患足功能,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评估两组病人患足疼痛情况,测量两组病人手术前后的足母外翻角（hallux valgus angle, HVA）和第1、2跖骨间角（inter-metatarsus angle, IMA）评价手术效果。结果 联合手术治疗组病人的术中出血量为（33.75±5.27） ml,手术时间为（55.14±12.89） min,均高于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（12.88±4.75） ml,（27.67±10.12） min］,差异均有统计学意义（t=3.293,P=0.018;t=4.293,P=0.012）。联合手术治疗组术后1周、1个月、1年的VAS评分［（3.24±0.98）分、（2.17±0.45）分、（1.31±0.12）分］均优于改良Chevron截骨治疗组［（3.42±0.74）分、（2.57±0.36）分、（1.88±0.45）分］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.267,P=0.028;t=2.991,P=0.017;t=2.542,P=0.021）。两组病人术后的HVA、IMA、AOFAS评分、满意度评分、AOFAS优良率比较,联合手术治疗组［12.67°±2.13°、8.31°±1.02°、（81.21±9.24）分、（91.67±4.12）分、88.8%］优于Chevron截骨治疗组［10.42°±3.52°、7.59°±1.33°、（62.22±6.42）分、（75.32±5.91）分、60.00%］,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.742,P=0.037;t=2.984,P=0.029;t=3.342,P=0.012;t=3.943,P=0.007;χ²=7.274,P=0.032）。结论 改良Chevron截骨术联合Akin截骨术治疗中重度足母外翻具有更好的术后效果,值得进一步推广应用。     

高位胸椎竖脊肌平面阻滞与臂丛上干阻滞在全身麻醉肩关节镜手术中应用的比较

目的 比较高位胸椎竖脊肌平面阻滞（high thoracic erector spinae plane block，HT-ESPB）与臂丛上干阻滞（superior trunk block，STB）在肩关节镜手术围手术期的镇痛效果。方法 纳入择期全身麻醉下行肩关节镜肩袖修补术病人共计60例，采用随机数字法将其分为HT-ESPB组（30例）与STB组（30例）。记录两组术中镇痛药物用量、拔管时间、膈肌阻滞发生率、相关并发症；术后2、6、12、24、48、72 h时静息和活动时的疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分，术后曲马多镇痛补救情况，病人术后镇痛满意度评分，术后24、48、72 h的15项恢复质量量表（QoR-15）评分以及不良反应发生情况。结果 HT-ESPB组术中舒芬太尼用量高于STB组［（21.5±11.1） μg vs. （15.6±10.3） μg，P=0.037］，术后曲马多用量高于STB组［（36.9±10.2） mg vs. （25.4±9.5） mg，P＜0.001］，膈神经阻滞发生率低于STB组（0 vs. 80%，P＜0.001），术后24 h QoR-15评分显著高于STB组［（76.3±12.2）分 vs. （66.4±11.6）分，P=0.003］；两组病人静息和活动时VAS评分、镇痛满意度评分、并发症发生率差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 肩关节镜手术中应用HT-ESPB能达到与STB类似的麻醉和镇痛效果，且膈神经阻滞发生率更低，尽管其镇痛药补救需求更多，仍是STB一种可行的替代方案。     

“立体缝合”技术在腹腔镜巨大切口疝修补术中的应用疗效

背景与目的 巨大切口疝的治疗是疝和腹壁外科领域的难点,尤其是如何缝合关闭筋膜缺损的问题。目前临床上常用的缝合方法应用于修补巨大切口疝中常面临诸多问题,如张力过大、无法消灭死腔等。基于缝合材料的发展,笔者团队前期开创了一种新的缝合技术—“立体缝合”,将其应用于切口疝修补中,可以很好地解决前述问题。本研究通过对比腹腔镜巨大切口疝修补术中应用“立体缝合”技术和常规缝合技术的两组患者的临床疗效,探讨“立体缝合”技术在巨大切口疝修补术中的临床价值。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月—2020年6月中山大学附属第六医院胃肠、疝和腹壁外科行腹腔镜腹腔内补片修补术的巨大切口疝患者资料,其中43例采用“立体缝合”处理疝囊和缺损（研究组）,36例采用传统缝合方法关闭缺损（对照组）,比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果 研究组无中转开放病例,均实现了筋膜缺损的完全关闭,对照组中转开腹7例（19.44%）,无法完全关闭缺损5例（13.89%）;两组中转开放率与无法完全关闭缺损发生率差异有统计学意义（P=0.003,P=0.017）。研究组平均关闭筋膜缺损缝合时间（89.84±15.29）min,平均手术时间（181.51±18.23）min,平均术中出血量（26.84±12.67）mL,对照组平均关闭筋膜缺损缝合时间为（61.28±14.09）min,平均手术时间（157.72±19.17）min,平均术中出血量（27.25±11.83）mL,两组关闭筋膜缺损缝合时间及手术时间差异有统计学意义（均P<0.001）,出血量差异无统计学意义（P=0.871）。研究组术后手术部位事件（SSO）发生率明显低于对照组（2.33% vs. 16.77%,P=0.043）,两组术后复发率差异无统计学意义（0 vs. 2.8%,P=0.456）。研究组术后下床时间（22.36±4.45）h,术后住院时间（5.23±1.26）d,住院费用为（75 924.21±6 065.61）元,对照组术后下床时间（22.92±5.15）h,术后住院时间（5.46±1.93）d,对照组为（74 185.99±5 476.48）元,两组该3项指标差异均无统计学意义（P=0.192,P=0.440,P=0.283）。结论 “立体缝合”技术应用于巨大切口疝修补术中,可减少中转开腹发生率,有效关闭筋膜缺损,减少术后发生手术部位事件的风险。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.