腰方肌阻滞在剖宫产术后镇痛中的临床应用

剖宫产是妇产科最常见的手术之一。围术期疼痛和镇痛药物对哺乳的影响是产妇焦虑的问题之一。目前,多模式镇痛策略已广泛用于剖宫产术后镇痛,其中腰方肌阻滞（QLB）是术后多模式镇痛的主要措施之一。QLB是将局麻药注射到腰方肌（QL）肌肉内或QL周围筋膜间隙的一种阻滞技术,是后腹壁肌肉之间的浅筋膜阻滞,可获得T10—T12阻滞范围,对剖宫产的切口痛和内脏痛均有良好的镇痛效果。QLB相对安全,但仍应警惕交感神经及脊神经阻滞、药物毒性、穿刺置管相关并发症。本文将围绕QLB在剖宫产术后镇痛中的临床应用进行综述。     

区域阻滞麻醉技术在髋关节手术中的应用进展

随着超声技术在麻醉领域中的广泛应用和对髋关节神经支配的深入认识,越来越多的区域阻滞麻醉技术用于髋关节手术患者的麻醉与镇痛。本文就腰丛阻滞(LPB)、髂筋膜间隙阻滞(FICB)、腰方肌阻滞(QLB)、竖脊肌平面阻滞(ESPB)和髋关节囊周神经(PENG)阻滞的解剖及入路、临床应用和并发症等方面等进行综述,以探讨各种区域阻滞麻醉技术在髋关节手术中的应用进展。     

腰方肌阻滞在腹部手术后镇痛的应用进展

腹部手术由于创伤大,往往伴随中重度的术后疼痛,良好的术后镇痛有利于患者快速康复,减少并发症[1]。常规使用的硬膜外或静脉自控镇痛虽然镇痛效果确切,但存在术后恶心呕吐、过度镇静、肠麻痹甚至呼吸抑制等风险[2]。超声引导下腰方肌阻滞(quadratus lumborum block,QLB)是具有应用前景的方法之一。现将QLB的解剖基础、操作方法及其在腹部手术中的应用综述如下。     

腰方肌阻滞与腹横肌平面阻滞用于老年患者腹腔镜结肠癌根治术后镇痛的效果对比

目的：比较腰方肌阻滞（QLB）与腹横肌平面阻滞（TAPB）用于老年患者腹腔镜结肠癌根治术后镇痛的效果。方法：将2020年8月至2021年12月于我院行腹腔镜结肠癌根治术治疗的82例老年患者随机分为2组,术后分别采用QLB和TAPB法进行术后镇痛。比较2组患者术后2h、8h、12h、24h疼痛程度及深呼吸或咳嗽时的舒适度。疼痛程度采用疼痛数字评估量表（NRS）评价,舒适度采用Bruggrmann舒适量表（BCS）评价。结果：QLB组患者术后2h、8h、12h、24hNRS评分均明显低于TAPB组（P <0.05）,而且各观察点BCS评分均明显高于TAPB组（P <0.05）。结论：QLB用于老年患者腹腔镜结肠癌根治术后镇痛效果优于TAPB。     

超声引导下腰方肌阻滞与髂筋膜间隙阻滞在老年髋关节术后镇痛的比较

目的比较腰方肌阻滞(quadratus lumborum block,QLB)和髂筋膜间隙阻滞(fasciailiaca compartment block,FICB)在老年髋关节置换术的镇痛效果。方法选择择期拟行腰麻下全髋关节置换术的老年患者55例,男22例,女33例,年龄65～85岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为QLB组(n=28)和FICB组(n=27)。术后分别于超声引导下行QLB和FICB,予0.375%罗哌卡因30ml。所有患者术后行舒芬太尼静脉自控镇痛。记录术后6、12、24、48h镇痛泵按压次数及舒芬太尼用量;记录静息及运动时VAS疼痛评分;记录术后恶心呕吐、眩晕等不良反应情况。结果术后12、24、48h QLB组镇痛泵按压次数及舒芬太尼用量明显少于FICB组(P0.05);术后12、24、48hQLB组运动时VAS评分明显低于FICB组(P0.05),两组不同时点静息时VAS评分差异无统计学意义;QLB组恶心呕吐发生率明显低于FICB组[2(7.1%)vs 9(33.3%),P0.05]。结论腰方肌阻滞较髂筋膜间隙阻滞更能明显减轻髋关节置换术后活动痛,减少阿片类药物的使用及不良反应发生率。     

超声引导下神经阻滞技术用于患儿腹部手术后镇痛的进展

区域神经阻滞是多模式镇痛的基础方案。与静脉镇痛比较,区域神经阻滞具有更强的针对性和有效性,神经阻滞麻醉镇痛可有效减少阿片类药物使用带来的不良反应。联合应用超声引导技术,能够提高神经阻滞的安全性和精确性。患儿腹部神经阻滞解剖结构以及局麻药物扩散途径、临床应用以及并发症的报道较少,药物浓度与剂量缺乏统一标准,需要进一步的临床研究。本文分别从患儿腰方肌阻滞（QLB）、腹横肌平面阻滞（TAPB）、腹直肌鞘阻滞（RSB）、竖脊肌平面阻滞（ESPB）和椎旁阻滞（PVB）的局麻药物扩散途径、浓度剂量、临床应用及相关并发症等方面进行综述,以期为患儿术后镇痛提供参考。     

不同层面腰方肌阻滞对剖宫产产妇术后镇痛的影响

目的 探讨超声引导下前层胸腰筋膜下和前层胸腰筋膜外实施腰方肌阻滞（QLB）对剖宫产术后镇痛的影响。
方法 选择择期腰-硬联合麻醉下行剖宫产手术的产妇113例,年龄23～39岁,体重50～90 kg,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,孕期>37周。采用随机数字表法将产妇分为两组：前层胸腰筋膜下阻滞组（S组,n=57）和前层胸腰筋膜外阻滞组（E组,n=56）。所有产妇腰-硬联合麻醉用药相同,术毕连接患者自控静脉镇痛（PCIA）泵,S组术毕行超声引导下前层胸腰筋膜下阻滞,E组行超声引导下前层胸腰筋膜外阻滞。记录首次按压PCIA时间,术后24 h内PCIA有效按压次数以及布托啡诺用量。记录QLB实施后6、9、12、24、48 h静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分、BCS舒适度评分以及阻滞平面存在情况。记录头晕、恶心呕吐、肌力减退等不良反应发生情况。
结果 两组首次按压PCIA时间差异无统计学意义。S组术后24 h内PCIA有效按压次数、布托啡诺用量明显少于E组（P＜0.05）。QLB阻滞实施后不同时点静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分、BCS舒适度评分差异均无统计学意义。S组QLB实施后24 h阻滞平面存在的产妇比例明显高于E组（P＜0.05）。S组头晕发生率明显低于E组（P＜0.05）。
结论 超声引导下前层胸腰筋膜下实施腰方肌阻滞应用于剖宫产术后镇痛效果好,不良反应少,是剖宫产术后镇痛更适宜的阻滞层面。     

超声引导下经弓状韧带上或前路腰方肌阻滞在腹腔镜全子宫切除术中的比较

目的 探讨超声引导下经弓状韧带上入路或前路腰方肌阻滞（QLB）在腹腔镜全子宫切除术中的镇痛效果。
方法 择期行腹腔镜全子宫切除术的患者38例,年龄18～64岁,BMI 16～29 kg/m²,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级。随机分为经前路QLB组（C组）和经弓状韧带上QLB组（E组）,每组19例。麻醉诱导前在超声引导下C组行双侧前路QLB,E组行弓状韧带上QLB,每侧给予0.3%罗哌卡因20 ml。记录术后住院时间、阻滞操作时间、阻滞后起效时间,测定阻滞后5、10、20、30 min的阻滞平面和术中瑞芬太尼和麻黄碱用量。记录术后2、6、12、24、48 h的VAS疼痛评分和补救镇痛,局麻药中毒、血肿、严重低血压、内脏损伤、肌力下降等神经阻滞并发症和恶心呕吐等不良反应。
结果 两组术后住院时间、阻滞操作时间差异无统计学意义。E组阻滞起效时间明显短于C组（P<0.05）。阻滞后5、10、20、30 min E组阻滞平面节段数量明显多于C组（P<0.05）。术后2、6、12 h E组静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分明显低于C组（P＜0.05）。两组均无补救镇痛,术中瑞芬太尼、麻黄碱用量,局麻药中毒、血肿、严重低血压、内脏损伤、肌力下降等神经阻滞并发症和恶心呕吐等不良反应差异无统计学意义。
结论 在腹腔镜全子宫切除术中经弓状韧带上腰方肌阻滞较传统前路腰方肌阻滞起效更快,阻滞平面更广,术后12 h镇痛效果更好。     

腹横肌平面阻滞在腹部手术术后镇痛中的应用

背景 腹横肌平面（transversus abdominis plane block,TAP）阻滞技术是一项近几十年发展起来的新型的局部神经阻滞技术,它可以减少术后镇痛阿片类药物的用量,继而减少其相关副作用,提高患者总的满意度. 目的 介绍TAP阻滞技术,探讨其在腹部手术术后镇痛中的应用. 内容 就TAP阻滞的解剖基础、操作方法、临床效果、并发症及尚待解决的问题等方面进行综述,为临床研究及应用提供参考. 趋向 TAP阻滞技术,被证实在很多手术的术后镇痛应用中是安全、有效的,有着广阔的应用前景.     

超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞和腰方肌阻滞用于腹腔镜肾癌根治术的比较

目的比较超声引导下低位前锯肌平面阻滞(SAPB)和腰方肌阻滞(QLB)用于腹腔镜肾癌根治术的应用效果。方法选择行腹腔镜肾癌根治术患者90例,男55例,女35例,年龄18～80岁,BMI 19～28 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。将患者随机分为三组:SAPB联合全麻组(S组)、QLB联合全麻组(Q组)和单纯全麻组(G组),每组30例。记录神经阻滞操作时间、神经阻滞起效时间、神经阻滞范围、神经阻滞相关并发症发生情况。记录术后0.5、2、12、24、48 h静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分。记录术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量、补救镇痛例数、术后48 h内镇痛泵按压次数及患者镇痛满意度评分。结果 S组阻滞操作时间和阻滞起效时间明显短于Q组(P0.05)。术后0.5、2、12、24 h S组和Q组静息和活动时VAS疼痛评分以及术后48 h活动时VAS疼痛评分明显低于G组(P0.05)。S组和Q组术中丙泊酚和瑞芬太尼用量明显少于G组(P0.05),补救镇痛率明显低于G组(P0.05),镇痛泵按压次数明显少于G组(P0.05),镇痛满意度评分明显高于G组(P0.05)。S组阻滞平面集中在T_6—T_(11),Q组阻滞平面集中在T_7—L_1。结论低位SAPB和QLB均可有效缓解腹腔镜肾癌根治术患者术后早期切口痛,减少术中全麻药物用量以及术后镇痛药物用量。与QLB比较,低位SAPB操作更简单、起效时间短,适宜在临床推广应用。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.