间断小切口与传统长切口采集大隐静脉的临床比较

目的比较间断小切口与传统长切口采集大隐静脉在冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)中的应用,总结其临床经验。方法 2007年11月至2009年1月,北京阜外心血管病医院对47例冠心病患者行CABG,男37例,女10例;年龄43～78岁,平均年龄61.3岁。将47例患者随机分为两组,间断小切口组(n=21):在CABG中采用间断小切口法采集大隐静脉;传统长切口组(n=26):在CABG中采用传统长切口采集大隐静脉。比较两组切口长度、大隐静脉采集时间、下肢切口缝合时间和切口并发症等指标。结果两组在采集大隐静脉的过程中均未发生大隐静脉主干损伤及与移植血管质量相关的手术并发症。两组大隐静脉桥支数及大隐静脉长度差异无统计学意义;间断小切口组的大隐静脉采集时间较传统长切口组长(51.9±11.5minvs.40.3±7.6min,P=0.000),但切口总长度(16.1±4.1cmvs.49.2±7.2cm,P=0.000)、切口缝合时间(11.0±3.0minvs.33.6±4.8min,P=0.000)及下肢总手术时间(62.6±14.9minvs.73.8±11.6min,P=0.006)明显缩短。术后随访47例(100%),随访时间3～26个月。术后1个月间断小切口组和传统长切口组分别有4.8%(1/21)和34.6%(9/26)发生下肢切口不愈合、血肿、感染等并发症,经相应治疗后均愈合。间断小切口组切口并发症发生率低于传统长切口组(P0.05)。结论间断小切口技术采集大隐静脉不增加手术时间,并且有助于减少术后下肢切口并发症的发生。     

直视下小切口与传统长切口采集大隐静脉的比较

目的总结冠状动脉旁路移植术中使用间断小切口采集大隐静脉的经验,并与长切口作比较。方法2004年8月~2005年10月,108例初次择期CABG患者采用间断小切口采集大隐静脉(间断切口组),与2004年2月~7月41例采用长切口取大隐静脉(传统切口组)比较切口总长度、采集时间、下肢切口缝合时间、切口并发症等指标。结果两组间年龄、性别、大隐静脉长度无统计学差异,均未出现与静脉桥血管质量相关的近、远期并发症。与传统切口组相比,间断切口组切口总长度短[(17.8±3.2)cmvs(43.1±4.9)cm,t=-36.878,P=0.000],静脉采集时间长[(49.3±6.6)minvs(29.1±5.4)min,t=17.490,P=0.000],下肢总手术时间相近[(62.4±8.7)minvs(59.8±6.9)min,t=1.718,P=0.088)],切口并发症发生率低[9.3%(10/108)vs22.0%(9/41),χ2=4.303,P=0.038)]。结论间断小切口技术采集大隐静脉虽然较长切口复杂、困难,但在减少术后切口并发症和提高术后美容上优于长切口。     

冠状动脉搭桥内镜大隐静脉获取术136例

目的探讨内镜辅助小切口获取大隐静脉进行冠状动脉搭桥手术的价值。方法411例冠状动脉搭桥手术,依据患者意愿采用微创小切口手术及传统开放大切口手术获取大隐静脉,其中136例应用内镜静脉获取术(endoscop icve in harvesting,EVH),275例应用开放静脉获取术(open ve in harvesting,OVH),比较2组患者手术情况以及下肢切口并发症发生率。结果EVH组下肢切口并发症总发生率为18.4%(25/136),显著低于OVH组36.7%(101/275)(2χ=14.406,P=0.000),其中下肢浮肿、感觉异常、血肿和液化发生率EVH组均低于OVH组,分别为1.5%(2/136)vs.35.3%(97/275)(2χ=56.861,P=0.000)、7.4%(10/136)vs.33.8%(93/275)(2χ=33.937,P=0.000)、16.2%(22/136)vs.27.3%(75/275)(2χ=6.214,P=0.013)和0.7%(1/136)vs.8.7%(24/275)(2χ=10.174,P=0.001)。总手术时间EVH组为(226.3±28.5)m in,OVH组为(224.7±19.2)m in,2组比较差异无显著性(t=0.673,P=0.502)。血管桥早期失功EVH组和OVH组各发生1例,2组比较差异无显著性(2χ=0.000,P=1.000)。远端吻合口数目EVH组(3.6±0.8)个,OVH组(3.3±1.0)个,2组比较差异有显著性(t=3.049,P=0.002),但临床意义不明显。结论内镜大隐静脉获取术可以显著降低高危患者的切口相关并发症,并不增加手术时间和血管桥早期失功发生率,亦不会减少远端吻合口数量而影响冠状动脉的完全再血管化治疗。     

小切口大隐静脉次高位结扎联合腔内微波凝固加聚桂醇局部注射治疗下肢静脉曲张

目的探讨小切口大隐静脉次高位结扎联合腔内微波凝固加聚桂醇局部注射治疗下肢静脉曲张的可行性及疗效。方法 2012年10月~2013年10月我院血管外科60例70条患腿施行大隐静脉次高位结扎,大隐静脉主干插入微波腔内辐射器行腔内微波治疗,小腿局部侧支静脉血管迂曲处进行注射硬化剂治疗(观察组);对照组(2011年8月~2012年9月)行传统大隐静脉高位结扎联合浅静脉剥脱术。比较2组患者手术时间、术中出血量、小切口数目、腹股沟处切口长度、术后并发症情况等。结果观察组手术时间(50.8±2.6)min,明显短于对照组(103.5±16.0)min(t=-25.183,P=0.000);术中出血量(43.2±4.6)ml,明显少于对照组(107.5±35.2)ml(t=-14.030,P=0.000);手术切口数(2.2±0.7)个,明显少于对照组(6.3±2.5)个(t=-12.233,P=0.000);腹股沟处切口长度(2.3±0.3)cm,明显短于对照组(4.8±0.3)cm(t=-17.697,P=0.000)。术后并发症2组比较无显著性差异:局部皮肤麻木(观察组40例,对照组38例,χ2=0.147,P=0.702),皮下淤血(观察组4例,对照组9例,χ2=2.157,P=0.142)。结论小切口大隐静脉次高位结扎联合腔内微波凝固加聚桂醇局部注射治疗大隐静脉曲张具有微创、美观、恢复快、疗效好、并发症少、操作简捷等优点。     

内窥镜血管采集系统和间断小切口获取大隐静脉在冠状动脉旁路移植术的应用研究

目的比较内窥镜和间断小切口获取大隐静脉在冠状动脉旁路移植术（coronary artery bypass graft,CABG）中应用的临床效果。方法 2009年8月～2012年8月,连续651例CABG术中,479例（A组）采用内窥镜血管采集系统,172例（B组）采用间断小切口获取大隐静脉,方法由患者决定。比较两组大隐静脉获取时间、切口长度和术后腿部并发症情况。结果 2组获取大隐静脉均获成功,静脉长度差异无显著性。与B组相比,A组获取静脉时间短[（18.01±3.49）min vs.（27.06±4.26）min,t=-27.417,P=0.000],皮肤切口长度短[（3.49±0.87）cm vs.（12.53±1.41）cm,t=-97.587,P=0.000],术后需要止痛剂、切口愈合延迟、下肢水肿的比例低[2.9%（14/479）vs.37.8%（65/172）,χ2=144.303,P=0.000;0（0/479）vs.5.8%（10/172）,P=0.000;1.0%（5/479）vs.18.0%（31/172）,χ2=69.526,P=0.000],但总住院费用高[（8.54±1.43）万元vs.（6.45±0.91）万元,t=17.893,P=0.000]。结论内窥镜血管采集系统获取大隐静脉安全可行,并发症少,美容效果显著,值得推广。     

内镜采集大隐静脉在CABG术中的应用及组织学评估

目的观察冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)中应用内窥镜采集大隐静脉对减少下肢切口并发症的效果,并通过组织学改变评价其安全性。方法2003年8月至2005年8月对256例CABG病人使用Va-soView5内窥镜系统采集大隐静脉。对常规切开及内窥镜采集的大隐静脉各10例的静脉近端和远端4mm做光镜和电子显微镜检查。结果全组病人无皮肤切口感染、下肢水肿、淋巴管炎和脂肪坏死等并发症发生。平均获取大隐静脉桥血管2.2支,平均耗时(45±20)d。平均卧床2~3d。光镜和电子显微镜显示的大隐静脉组织学结构差异不显著。结论CABG应用内窥镜采集大隐静脉能够减少创伤,明显降低术后下肢并发症,尤其对肥胖、糖尿病病人可降低术后感染的发生率,减轻术后下肢切口疼痛,提高病人术后活动能力,减少卧床与住院时间。且内窥镜方法和切开法具有同样的安全性。     

冠状动脉旁路移植术中静脉剥离的新方法

目前,虽然在冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)中尽可能应用动脉材料以提高术后远期通畅率,但多支病变病人仍然需要静脉桥.传统的手术方法是采用下肢大隐静脉全长切口,大隐静脉暴露良好,但手术后会导致下肢伤口疼痛、感觉异常、切口裂开、浅表及深部感染、水肿等多种并发症.     

内窥镜采集大隐静脉的临床效果及应用体会

目的 通过对比冠状动脉旁路移植术中传统的全程切开采集大隐静脉(open saphenous vein harvest,OVH)与内窥镜辅助采集大隐静脉(endoscopic saphenous vein harvest,EVH)两种术式评价EVH的应用效果和总结应用体会.方法 观察两种术式:(1)获取大隐静脉手术时间;(2)采集大隐静脉总手术时间;(3)修补血管次数;(4)术后并发症;(5)采用VAS(Visual Analog Scale)评分,评估术后4d和第4周下肢切口疼痛.结果 EVH组伤口并发症发生率为10.7%,OVH组为36.7%,两组对比EVH组有明显减少(P<0.01);切口疼痛VAS评分,EVH组术后第4天、第4周分别为(2.4±0.6)和(1.0±0.6),OVH分别为(3.2±0.8)和(1.6±0.8),术后第4天疼痛EVH组明显轻(P<0.01),术后第4周疼痛两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.56);手术时间:采集大隐静脉手术总时间EVH组(39.7±4.2)min,OVH组(40.3±5.3)min,两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.66),获取大隐静脉手术时间EVH组(36.3±3.9)min,OVH组(29.0±5.1)min,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);EVH组修补血管次数(1.7±0.7),OVH组(1.1±0.8),两组差异有统计学意义(P=0.04).结论 EVH和OVH相比显著减少了术后切口并发症和疼痛,不延长总手术时间.     

冠状动脉旁路移植手术中内镜获取与切开获取大隐静脉对照研究的meta分析

目的探讨冠状动脉旁路移植手术中内镜获取大隐静脉与常规切开获取大隐静脉相比是否具有优越性。方法检索2003—2013年国内外关于内镜获取大隐静脉（endoscopic vein harvesting,EVH）与常规切开获取大隐静脉（open vein harvesting,OVH）手术后疗效的临床对比研究,收集相关数据并用RevMan5．0统计软件进行meta分析。结果检索并纳入本次研究的文献共6篇,其中EVH组339例,OVH组344例。meta分析结果示：术后伤口感染、愈合不良在EVH组的发生率较OVH组显著减少（P〈0．05）,术后下肢伤口疼痛程度EVH组显著低于OVH组（P〈0．05）,血肿的发生率在EVH组与OVH组间并无统计学差异（P〉0．05）,EVH获取的静脉桥和OVH获取的静脉桥近期通畅率无显著差异（P〉0．05）。结论和OVH相比,EVH技术切口美观,能在不影响静脉桥的近期通畅率前提下显著降低术后下肢伤口疼痛、愈合不良等并发症,提高患者满意度。     

钬激光与传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的临床对照研究

目的比较钬激光与传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的临床效果。方法2005年3月~2006年12月,对226例(274条患肢)下肢静脉曲张分别采用钬激光治疗120例(148条患肢)(钬激光组),传统大隐静脉高位结扎加抽剥术106例(126条患肢)(传统组)。结果与传统组相比,钬激光组手术时间短[(38.0±10.8)minvs(61.5±12.3)min,t=-15.294,P=0.000],术后需止痛剂患者比例少[0%(0/120)vs54.7%(58/106),χ2=88.329,P=0.000],下床活动早[(6.2±0.8)hvs(22.5±1.5)h,t=-105.034,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(3.0±0.5)dvs(8.5±2.5)d,t=-23.632,P=0.000],并发症发生率相近[16.9%(25/148)vs18.3%(23/126),χ2=0.087,P=0.768],1年复发率相近[3.8%(3/78)vs3.1%(2/65),χ2=0.000,P=1.000]。结论钬激光治疗下肢静脉曲张具有能明显缩短手术时间及住院时间,减少切口数量,术后疼痛轻,可早期下床活动等优点。保证疗效...     

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.