膝关节后交叉韧带合并后外侧角损伤

[目的]探索膝关节后交叉韧带(PCL)合并后外侧角(PLC)损伤的临床特征,评估同期关节镜下四股腘绳肌腱单束重建膝PCL和后1/2股二头肌腱重建PLC的技术和效果。[方法]自2001年12月～2004年12月,14例病人(14膝)重度膝关节不稳入住本科,均表现为3+后抽屉试验阳性,内翻试验阳性,外旋试验患膝较健侧>10°,关节镜检查证实为PCL断裂,膝后外侧间隙张开,外侧半月板抬高,腘肌腱断裂。2例伴腓总神经损伤。均于关节镜下行自体四股腘绳肌腱单束PCL重建术,后侧1/2股二头肌腱PLC重建术。[结果]本组术后早期均未发生严重并发症。14例均获得随访,随访时间12～33个月,平均(21.14±7.26)个月。膝关节后侧稳定性有非常明显进步。膝关节伸直位、屈曲30°位内翻试验均为阴性。膝关节屈曲30°、90°位外旋试验双侧差均<10°。Lysholm膝关节功能评分为70～95分,平均(86.79±7.23)分,较术前(40～60)分,平均(47.14±8.25)分)明显改进(P<0.01)。IKDC综合评定正常(A级)4膝、接近正常(B级)9膝、异常(C级)1膝,较术前[异常(C级)3膝、显著异常(D级)11膝]有非常明显的改进(Z=3.296,P<0.001)。14例患者中,12例恢复伤前运动水平,2例运动水平较伤前减低。[结论]PCL损伤常合并PLC损伤,表现为重度后侧不稳和后外侧旋转不稳。关节镜下单束重建膝PCL,同期后侧1/2股二头肌腱重建PLC,手术损伤小、术后膝关节功能恢复满意。     

关节镜下膝前交叉韧带与后交叉韧带联合重建

[目的]探讨膝关节双交叉韧带损伤的临床特点,评估关节镜下前交叉韧带(ACL)与后交叉韧带(PCL)联合重建的技术和效果。[方法]自2001年9月~2005年2月,13例病人(13膝)经关节镜检查证实ACL和PCL均断裂,其中5膝伴后内侧角(PMC)、内侧副韧带损伤(MCL),4膝伴后外侧角损伤(PLC),2膝伴外侧半月板破裂,1膝伴内侧半月板损伤,3膝伴腘动脉损伤,2膝伴腓总神经损伤。7例病人于损伤后急性期入院,2膝于急性期行腘血管探查修复,4膝行膝后内侧角、内侧副韧带修复。13例病人于伤后4~12周在关节镜下行自体移植物单束ACL和PCL联合重建术,其中4例同期后1/2股二头肌腱重建后PLC,1例同期阔筋膜PMC、MCL重建。[结果]本组术后早期均未发生严重并发症。术后随访10~39个月,平均(21.85±9.28)个月,Lysholm膝关节功能评分为75~95分,平均(86.54±6.89)分。国际膝关节文件编制委员会(IKDC)综合评定由术前显著异常(D级)13例,改进为随访时正常(A级)3例、接近正常(B级)8例、异常(C级)2例。13例病人中,11例恢复至伤前运动水平,2例运动水平较伤前减低。[结论]膝关节双交叉韧带损伤多伴有其它重要结构损伤,需妥善处理合并损伤。关节镜下自体移植物联合单束重建ACL和PCL创伤小、手术操作精细,术后膝关节功能恢复满意。     

膝关节后交叉韧带合并后外侧角结构损伤的联合重建

目的 探讨膝关节后交叉韧带(PCL)合并后外侧角结构(PLC)实质部损伤时进行联合重建的必要性,介绍使用关节镜下5～6股腘绳肌腱单束重建膝PCL以及采用中1/3股二头肌腱、股薄肌重建PLC的技术和优点. 方法 自2001年1月至2006年12月,收治膝关节PCL合并PLC损伤患者28例,均为PCL损伤≥Ⅱ°b、PLC损伤>Ⅱ°.X线片有韧带附着点撕脱骨折及严重内翻不稳需要胫骨截骨者不计入本组.治疗方法:手术治疗28例,其中2002年1月至2003年12月间8例行关节镜下腘绳肌腱单束重建PCL,而PLC保守治疗;2002年1月至2006年12月间20例关节镜下修复重建PCL,再开放手术操作修复重建PLC结构. 结果 随访6～24个月,平均15个月.功能评定按照Lysholm标准,单纯修复PCL组中等3例,差5例;PCL和PLC联合重建者中优良19例,中等1例.两组的Lysholm评分平均为(47.1±8.2)分和(86.7±7.2)分,差异有统计学意义(t=19.277,P<0.05);IKDC评估两组分别有3例和19例对手术结果满意.无严重并发症发生. 结论 膝关节PCL合并PLC损伤可造成患肢严重的无法代偿的功能损害,手术时应当进行联合重建,忽视PLC重建的重要性,会导致PCL重建效果下降或失败;采用关节镜下5～6股腘绳肌腱单束重建膝PCL以及采用中1/3股二头肌腱、股薄肌重建PLC的技术治疗PCL合并PLC损伤取得较好的临床效果.     

关节镜下可吸收螺钉固定腘绳肌重建膝后交叉韧带的疗效评价

目的 探讨关节镜下可吸收螺钉固定腘绳肌腱单束重建膝后交叉韧带(posterior cruciate ligament,PCL)的效果.方法 2004年4月～2005年4月,我院25例(25膝)经关节镜检查证实为PCL断裂,在关节镜下行自体腘绳肌腱单束PCL 重建术,生物可吸收挤压螺钉解剖位固定重建韧带. 结果 手术时间平均90min(80～100min).25例膝术毕PCL重建后后抽屉试验均为阴性.术后住院时间7～14 d,平均10.4 d.25例术后随访12～24个月,平均18个月,23例膝后抽屉试验阴性,2例后抽屉试验1级.术后12个月Lysholm膝关节功能评分由术前(44.8±8.1)分提高至(77.8±6.4)分(t=-15.999,P=0.000).按国际膝关节文件编制委员会膝关节标准评价膝关节功能分级,术前异常(C级)10例、显著异常(D级)15例,随访时正常(A级)8例、接近正常(B级)15例、异常(C级)2例(Z=-4.394,P=0.000). 结论 关节镜下可吸收螺钉固定自体腘绳肌腱单束重建膝PCL创伤小,固定可靠,手术操作简单,术后膝关节功能恢复效果好.     

关节镜下早期修复和重建膝关节多韧带损伤的临床观察

目的探讨应用同种异体肌腱和自体腘绳肌腱早期修复、重建膝关节多发韧带损伤的临床疗效。方法对16例多发韧带损伤行关节镜下同种异体肌腱和自体腘绳肌腱移植重建前、后交叉韧带(ACL、PCL),同时修复断裂的内侧副韧带(MCL)或后外侧结构。结果本组平均随访18个月,Lysholm评分由术前的(33.2±2.5)分提高到末次随访时的(89.0±5.0)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。关节功能优9膝,良6膝,可1膝。结论关节镜下早期应用同种异体肌腱和自体腘绳肌腱修复膝关节多发韧带损伤,能可靠恢复膝关节功能和活动范围,具有缩短疗程,降低费用等优点。     

关节镜下一期自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带联合LARS韧带重建后交叉韧带

目的探讨关节镜下一期应用自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带联合LARS人工韧带重建后交叉韧带的临床疗效。方法自2009-02—2010-06对14例膝关节前、后交叉韧带断裂及严重膝关节脱位患者在关节镜下一期采用自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带联合LARS人工韧带重建后交叉韧带,同时处理合并的侧副韧带及半月板损伤。末次随访时采用膝关节Lysholm评分、IKDC评分评定疗效。结果术后14例均获随访23~36个月,平均29.5个月。均无膝关节肿痛症状、感染、伸膝障碍发生。末次随访时,膝关节屈曲达120°~130°;膝关节IKDC评分：A类11例（78.6%）,B类2例（14.3%）,C类1例（7.1%）;膝关节Lysholm评分（89.2±4.6）分,较术前（54.7±5.3）分明显提高,差异有统计学意义（t=32.156,P=8.91E-14）。结论关节镜下一期应用自体腘绳肌腱重建前交叉韧带联合LARS人工韧带重建后交叉韧带治疗膝关节多韧带损伤临床疗效满意。     

膝关节后交叉韧带合并后外侧角损伤康复护理

[目的]探讨膝关节镜下治疗后交叉韧带（PCL）合并后外侧角损伤的康复护理。[方法]对21例膝关节镜下行自体四股胭绳肌腱单束重建膝PCL和后1／2股二头肌腱重建PCL康复护理分析。术前注重心理护理，教会功能锻炼的基本要领。术后指导患者正确的功能锻炼方法及出院指导。[结果]21例应用膝关节镜重建（PCL）合并（PLC）损伤患者随访12—33个月，术前症状消失，关节功能明显改善。[结论]通过科学的功能锻炼方法，保证了关节镜手术效果，使患者对术后关节功能恢复情况满意。     

关节镜下保留残存纤维结合七股自体腘绳肌腱单束重建后交叉韧带

目的研究膝关节镜下保留残存后交叉韧带(PCL)纤维结合7股自体腘绳肌腱单束重建PCL的临床效果。方法对13例PCL损伤,采用胫骨隧道技术结合7股自体腘绳肌腱进行单束重建,术中保留残存PCL纤维,移植物使用悬吊式固定,手术前后采用Lysholm膝关节功能评价表和Tegner下肢运动能力评价表进行评估,并了解患者膝关节的稳定性、活动度。结果所有患者随访12～36个月,术前和术后12个月Lysholm评分分别为(50.20±8.32)分和(87.23±4.20)分(P<0.05),Tegner评分分别为(2.03±0.33)分和(4.11±0.13)分(P<0.05)。术后12个月后抽屉试验阴性7例,Ⅰ度阳性5例,Ⅱ度阳性1例,所有患膝运动能力均较术前有所改善。结论关节镜下采用经胫骨隧道技术保留残存纤维结合7股自体腘绳肌腱单束重建PCL是一种恢复膝关节稳定性和功能的可靠方法。     

关节镜下自体腘绳肌腱重建膝关节前交叉韧带

目的：探讨关节镜下自体4股腘绳肌腱、生物可吸收挤压螺钉固定重建前交叉韧带（ACL）的临床效果。方法：31例经关节镜检查证实为前交叉韧带断裂的患者，男27例，女4例；年龄17～40岁，平均25岁。其中合并半月板损伤26例，合并局部软骨损伤3例，软骨Ⅰ～Ⅱ度退变16例。均于关节镜下行自体4股腘绳肌腱和软组织生物可吸收挤压固定螺钉重建ACL。术后对膝关节功能进行评定。结果：31例术后均未发生关节感染、血管神经损伤等严重并发症。30例获得随访，时间9-39个月，平均（19±9．0）个月，Lysholm膝关节功能评分从术前平均（54．6±16．6）分提高至随访时平均（92．5±5．7）分，较术前显著改善（t=11．84，P〈0．01）。30例患者中，26例恢复伤前运动水平，2例运动水平较伤前降低，2例因运动后出现关节酸痛而不敢剧烈运动。结论：关节镜下采用4股腘绳肌腱作移植物，生物可吸收挤压螺钉固定，是重建ACL的一种安全可靠的治疗方法。具有手术创伤少、术后膝关节功能恢复良好的优点。     

关节镜下应用Rigidfix和Intrafix系统固定重建前交叉韧带

目的探讨关节镜下应用Rigidfix和Intrafix系统固定自体4股腘绳肌单束重建前交叉韧带临床效果。方法40例前交叉韧带断裂患者在关节镜下均采用4股腘绳肌肌腱单束重建前交叉韧带，术后进行系统的康复治疗。结果40例随访6～12个月，均未发生严重并发症，膝关节屈曲均达到130°，伸直达到0°。随访时前抽屉试验35例阴性，5例Ⅰ度阳性；Lachman试验37为阴性，3例Ⅰ度阳性；轴移试验均为阴性。所有患者均无膝关节不稳的主观症状。按照Lysholm膝关节评分标准：平均评分从（40．3±4．2）分提高至（90．4±3．6）分，差异有显著性（P〈0．01）：结论关节镜下4股自体腘肌腱重建前交叉韧带应用Rigidfix和Intrafix系统固定是一种较好方法，具有手术操作简单、固定牢固、愈合率高等优点.     

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.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

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.     

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.