旋后-外旋型Ⅳ度踝关节骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨旋后-外旋型Ⅳ度踝关节骨折的手术治疗方法及疗效。方法自2011-03—2013-03诊治旋后-外旋型Ⅳ度踝关节骨折96例,单纯外踝骨折行内踝三角韧带探查修复及外踝骨折复位内固定;内外踝骨折或不需处理后踝的三踝骨折,分别行内外踝骨折复位内固定;三踝骨折中后踝骨折块超过关节面1/3者,行复位内固定治疗,外踝、后踝选择后外侧切口进入,复位顺序为外踝、后踝、内踝。结果本组手术时间1~3 h,平均2.3 h。所有患者均获得随访6~24个月,平均13个月。术后6个月行踝关节CT检查显示均获得骨性愈合。末次随访时踝关节功能Kofoed评分:优47例,良43例,可5例,差1例,优良率93.8%。结论旋后-外旋型Ⅳ度踝关节骨折手术治疗过程中合理的复位顺序可明显缩短手术时间、提高手术效果,术中应常规探查下胫腓关节情况;内、后踝需要同时固定的患者取后外侧单一切口即可满足手术显露需求。     

腓骨远端干骺端钢板固定外踝和后踝治疗三踝骨折

目的探讨腓骨远端干骺端钢板用作支撑钢板固定外踝和后踝治疗三踝骨折的疗效及预后。方法 2008年1月至2010年1月,采用腓骨远端干骺端钢板用作支撑钢板固定外踝及后踝治疗三踝骨折23例,男10例,女13例;年龄20～65岁,平均45岁。左侧12例,右侧11例。根据Lange-Hansen分型,Ⅲ、Ⅳ度旋后-外旋型14例,Ⅳ度旋前-外旋型9例。直视下行骨折复位内固定,骨折复位固定顺序为外踝、后踝、内踝、下胫腓联合。术后随访观察骨折愈合及钢板稳定情况。结果所有病例得到随访,随访时间12～36个月,平均28.4个月。患肢均无畸形愈合,无骨不连,无钢板外露、松动、断裂,无伤口感染。根据Baird-Jackson评分系统进行评估,优17例,良4例,可2例,优良率为91%。结论腓骨远端干骺端钢板用作支撑钢板固定外踝及后踝治疗三踝骨折,其操作简便、对骨折固定可靠、踝关节功能恢复满意、并发症少,是治疗三踝骨折的有效方法。     

旋前、后外旋型三踝骨折的手术治疗

目的总结旋前后外旋型（Ⅳ度)三踝骨折切开复位内固定的手术方法和疗效。方法1996年3月～2002年10月，对48例旋前、后外旋型（Ⅳ度)三踝骨折行切开复位内固定术．男27例，女21例；年龄l7～85岁．平均42.8岁。根据Lauge-Hansen分类．旋前外旋型Ⅳ度三踝骨折20例．旋后外旋Ⅳ度三躁骨折28例。受伤距手术时间2h～21d。内侧采用标准内踝切口显露内踝骨折，外侧采用腓骨后缘纵行切口显露外踝骨折。如需行后踝骨折处理．则将内踝的切口延长．外侧采用经腓骨的Gatellie-Chastang手术入路同时切开显露内、外及后踝。整复固定的顺序是后踝，内踝、外踝和下胫腓联合。骨折复位固定完成后，行踝部正侧位及踝榫(Mortise)位X线检查。满意复位的标准为：(1)踝榫的正常关系恢复，(2)踝的负重排列与下肢纵轴成直角．（3)关节面的外形轮廓光滑，结果仝部患者均获得随访，随访时间6～36个月．平均13个月，骨折愈台时间为12～16周。随访时疗效评定根据Baird-Jackson评分系统进行评定：优26例，良15例，可5例．差2例；优良率为85．4％。术后未发生感染、骨不连、骨折畸形愈合等并发症．但发生1例下胫腓三皮质固定螺钉断裂。结论躁关节的解剖复位可获得最佳的临床结果，采用切开复位内固定术治疗三踝骨折可保证踝关节获得解剖复位．最大限度地恢复踝关节功能。     

旋前旋后外旋型三踝骨折的手术治疗

目的：探讨旋前、旋后外旋型（IV度）三踝骨折的手术方法和临床疗效。方法：2000年3月至2006年7月,对42例旋前、旋后外旋型（IV度）三踝骨折行切开复位内固定术,男31例,女11例;年龄19～76岁,平均40.5岁。开放性损伤4例,闭和性损伤38例。根据Lauge-Hansen分类,旋前外旋型IV度三踝骨折18例,旋后外旋型IV度三踝骨折24例。受伤距手术时间2h～27d。内、外踝均采用标准内、外侧切口。如需行后踝骨折处理,则将内踝切口延长,同时显露内、外及后踝。整复固定的顺序是后踝、内踝、外踝和下胫腓联合。骨折复位固定完成后,行踝部正侧位及踝穴（Mortise）位X线检查。结果：全部患者均获得随访,时间6～24个月,平均13.5个月。骨折愈合时间12～16周,疗效根据梁军等改良Baird-Jackson的主客观及X线评价标准进行评定,包括疼痛、踝关节的稳定性、行走能力、跑步能力、踝关节活动范围、踝关节X线测量等。本组优20例,良16例,可4例,差2例,优良率85.7%。术后未发生感染、骨不连、骨折畸形愈合等并发症,但发生1例下胫腓骨三皮质固定螺钉断裂。结论：手术治疗的关键在于恢复并稳定踝关节的解剖关系,最大限度恢复踝关节功能。     

后外侧入路在双踝及三踝骨折治疗中的应用

目的探讨采用单一后外侧入路同时显露外踝和后踝骨折块治疗双踝或三踝骨折的疗效。方法2013年1月-2015年6月,收治47例踝关节骨折患者。男16例,女31例;年龄25~65岁,平均47.7岁。左侧21例,右侧26例。骨折按Lauge-Hansen分型:旋前外展型11例,旋后外旋型36例。双踝骨折9例,三踝骨折38例。CT检查示,后踝骨折块累及35%以上负重关节面11例,后踝粉碎性骨折9例。新鲜骨折44例,受伤至手术时间8 h~7 d,平均4 d;陈旧性骨折3例,受伤至手术时间分别为43、58、62 d。术中后踝骨折采用T型锁定钢板(12例)、1/3管型钢板(10例)或由后向前的空心螺钉(25例)固定。结果手术时间60~100 min,平均80 min;术中出血量50~100 mL,平均72 mL。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无切口感染、皮肤坏死、下肢深静脉血栓形成及腓肠神经损伤等手术相关并发症发生。术后复查CT显示后踝骨折块均达解剖复位。47例均获随访,随访时间12~20个月,平均16个月。均未发生内固定失效或复位丢失。患者行走正常;踝关节主动背伸活动度较健侧踝关节活动度5°者43例(91.5%),5~10°者4例(8.5%);被动背伸活动度5°者44例(93.6%),5~10°者3例(6.4%)。末次随访时,采用Olerud-Molander评分对患者踝关节功能进行评价,其中优40例,良5例,可2例,优良率95.7%。结论单一后外侧入路能够同时显露外踝和后踝骨折,具有切口并发症少、手术时间短,后踝显露清楚,可直视下完成骨折复位与固定的优势,适合于同时合并外踝和后踝的双踝骨折及三踝骨折。     

后踝骨折诊疗进展

踝关节骨折病人距骨向后半脱位是导致创伤性踝关节炎及踝关节骨折预后不良的重要原因,解剖学研究认为腓骨及下胫腓联合韧带对距骨向后方的稳定性具有重要作用.CT检查对后踝骨折的分型、手术指征、手术入路的选择具有重要意义,可将后踝骨折分为3种类型.CT检查测量后踝骨片大小是必要的,因为X线片测量对后踝骨片大小的评估很不准确.虽然大多数学者认为累及关节面＞25%的后踝骨片为手术指征,但这一观点正受到质疑.由于下胫腓后韧带的作用,后踝骨折片常随外踝的复位而复位,有学者提出此时无论骨折片大小均不需对后踝进行内固定.伴发距骨脱位的骨折、闭合复位失败的移位骨折、内踝延伸型后踝骨折均有明确的手术指征.     

后踝骨折诊疗进展

踝关节骨折病人距骨向后半脱位是导致创伤性踝关节炎及踝关节骨折预后不良的重要原因,解剖学研究认为腓骨及下胫腓联合韧带对距骨向后方的稳定性具有重要作用。CT检查对后踝骨折的分型、手术指征、手术入路的选择具有重要意义,可将后踝骨折分为3种类型。CT检查测量后踝骨片大小是必要的,因为X线片测量对后踝骨片大小的评估很不准确。虽然大多数学者认为累及关节面〉25％的后踝骨片为手术指征,但这一观点正受到质疑。由于下胫腓后韧带的作用,后踝骨折片常随外踝的复位而复位,有学者提出此时无论骨折片大小均不需对后踝进行内固定。伴发距骨脱位的骨折、闭合复位失败的移位骨折、内踝延伸型后踝骨折均有明确的手术指征。     

延期切开复位内固定治疗三踝骨折

[目的]探讨延期手术治疗三踝骨折(Cotton's fracture)的具体手术方法及疗效评价。[方法]2000年1月～2009年1月,三踝骨折延期行切开复位内固定术21例,术前均行踝关节X线片和三维CT检查。对于CT显示后踝骨折偏外侧或者骨块居中的患者,选用踝后外侧切口,同时暴露外踝(lateral malleolus)和后踝(posterior malleo-lus),手术次序为外踝-后踝-内踝(medial malleolus)。对于后踝骨折偏内侧的患者,利用踝后内侧切口同时暴露内踝和后踝,手术次序为外踝-内踝-后踝。对于伴下胫腓关节分离的患者采用1/3管形钢板和拉力螺钉固定。选择常规手术组行对照分析手术时间有无差异性,术后应用Baird评分结合踝关节活动度数对两组手术疗效行统计学分析。[结果]手术均达到解剖复位。延期手术组的手术时间为(101.67±37.991)min,常规手术组(85.29±34.26)min,差异无统计学意义(t=1.467,P=0.15);延期手术组Baird评分平均得分95.9±2.9,常规手术组平均得分96.3±3.0,差异无统计学意义(t=-0.46,P0.05);两组患者踝关节术后活动度数差异均无统计学意义。[结论]延期切开复位内固定术治疗三踝骨折,应根据后踝骨折移位情况选择显露后踝的切口,以及内踝、外踝、后踝的手术次序,以利于术中复位,缩短手术时间,有效恢复踝关节的功能。     

踝关节后踝骨折内固定治疗的疗效分析

目的通过对踝前小切口自前向后内固定治疗后踝骨折的操作技巧及疗效的回顾性研究,探讨后踝骨折内固定治疗的生物力学基础及临床应用。方法我科自2003年9月至2008年8月治疗波及后踝的踝关节骨折21例,其中男9例,女12例;年龄23～75岁,平均40.1岁。应用Lauge-Hansen和Danis-Weber分类法分类,旋后外型度5例,度10例,旋前外型5例;B型15例,C型5例,其中单纯后踝骨折未分类1例。术中应用踝外侧偏后和前方联合切口复位后踝,在维持良好复位下自前向后用4 mm钛质空心钉内固定骨折,然后复位固定外踝及内踝。结果术后平均随访25.8个月（11～68个月）,所有病例骨折均获得骨性愈合,临床愈合时间平均13.8周（10～16周）。依据Baird-Jackson踝关节评分系统评定,优13例,良6例,可1例,差1例,优良率达90.5%。结论后踝骨折解剖复位、坚强内固定符合生物力学要求,同时采用踝前小切口自前向后内固定,创伤小,是较为理想的内固定方式。     

术中改换体位应用后外侧手术入路治疗三踝骨折

目的探讨平卧位复位固定内踝骨折,然后转侧卧位后外侧入路复位固定外踝、后踝骨折治疗三踝骨折的疗效。方法自2008-01—2013-08对21例不稳定三踝骨折取平卧位复位固定内踝骨折,然后转侧卧位复位固定外踝、后踝骨折。末次随访时疗效根据Olerud-Molander踝关节骨折评分系统评定。结果术后切口均在15 d内愈合拆线,无切口感染发生。本组均获得平均17(12~35)个月的随访。3例外踝尖部因内固定物突出于皮下,术后出现疼痛不适,骨折愈合取出内固定后疼痛消失。末次随访时疗效根据Olerud-Molander踝关节骨折评分系统评定:优15例,良4例,可2例,优良率90.5%。结论先平卧位复位固定内踝骨折后转换健侧卧位采用后外侧入路复位固定外踝及后踝骨折治疗三踝骨折,手术易于操作,可获得满意的治疗效果。     

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.     

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.