机器人辅助胃癌根治术后腹腔感染的危险因素及预后分析

背景与目的 腹腔感染是胃癌根治术后常见的并发症,但目前有关机器人辅助胃癌根治术后发生腹腔感染的影响因素及相关预后研究报道较少。本研究旨在分析和探讨机器人辅助胃癌根治术后发生腹腔感染的危险因素及预后,以期为临床提供参考。方法 回顾甘肃省人民医院普外一科2017年1月—2021年3月行机器人辅助胃癌根治术的262例胃癌患者临床资料,分析患者术后腹腔感染的发生情况及其影响因素,以及术后腹腔感染对患者治疗结局与预后的影响。结果 在262例患者中,14例（5.34%）术后发生腹腔感染,感染原因分别为腹腔脓肿12例（4.58%）、横结肠瘘1例（0.38%）、胰瘘1例（0.38%）;Clavien-Dindo分级包括II级9例（3.44%）,IIIa级4例（1.53%）,IIIb级1例（0.38%）。单因素分析结果显示,体质量指数（BMI）、术前白蛋白、术前贫血、肿瘤直径、术中联合脏器切除、术中出血量、pTNM分期、N分期、肿瘤淋巴血管侵犯、神经侵犯和术后第3天中性粒细胞百分比（NEUT%）与机器人辅助胃癌根治术后发生腹腔感染有关（均P<0.05）;多因素Logistic回归分析结果表明,BMI<18.5 kg/m²（OR=11.160,95% CI=2.289~54.410,P=0.003）、术前白蛋白<30 g/L（OR=6.612,95% CI=1.630~26.820,P=0.008）、术中联合脏器切除（OR=5.236,95% CI=1.068~25.661,P=0.041）、肿瘤淋巴血管侵犯（OR=8.151,95% CI=1.771~37.52,P=0.007）和术后第3天NEUT%（OR=1.208,95% CI=1.069~1.366,P=0.003）是机器人辅助胃癌根治术后患者发生腹腔感染的独立危险因素。对术后第1、3、7天NEUT%行ROC曲线分析,结果表明,术后第3天NEUT%诊断术后腹腔感染的AUC（0.805）最大,其最佳截断值为82.65%,敏感度为71.4%,特异度为84.7%。与无术后腹腔感染的患者比较,有感染患者术后首次通气时间、首次进流食时间、术后1~7 d腹腔引流量、腹腔引流管拔除时间、术后住院时间及住院总费用均明显增加（均P<0.05）。生存分析结果显示,术后腹腔感染患者的总生存率低于无腹腔感染患者（45.4% vs. 67.8%,P=0.046）。结论 对于有以上危险因素的患者,在行机器人辅助胃癌根治术后要积极预防腹腔感染的发生,从而促进患者术后恢复、改善患者术后生存。术后第3天NEUT%对于预测机器人辅助胃癌根治术后腹腔感染有一定的价值。     

对比乙型与丙型肝炎背景下肝细胞癌患者经微波消融治疗后预后

目的 对比观察微波消融（MWA）治疗乙型（HB）与丙型肝炎（HC）背景下肝细胞癌（HCC）的预后。方法 回顾性分析HCC伴HB（HB-HCC）及HCC伴HC（HC-HCC）各159例患者资料,比较组间肿瘤学结局,分析患者死因,观察HCC患者MWA后总生存期（OS）的危险因素。结果 HC-HCC组OS率低于HB-HCC组（P=0.045）,组间无病生存率（P=0.095）及癌症特异性生存率（P=0.189）差异均无统计学意义。相比HB-HCC组,HC-HCC组患者死于肝硬化并发症的风险更高（HR=2.339,P=0.043）。Child-Pugh B级（HR=3.082,P＜0.001）、肝炎病毒载量＞500 IU/ml（HR=1.654,P=0.006）及病灶最大径≥3.0 cm（HR=1.541,P=0.017）均为HCC患者MWA后OS的独立危险因素。结论 相比HB-HCC患者,HC-HCC患者MWA后OS较短。     

不同微创手术方法治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石疗效的比较

背景与目的 腹腔镜胆囊切除+胆总管切开取石+胆管一期缝合术（LC+LCBDE+PDC）和经内镜逆行胰胆管造影+内镜下乳头括约肌切开+腹腔镜胆囊切除术（ERCP+EST+LC）均是治疗胆囊结石和胆总管结石的微创手术方法,首选治疗方案的选择上仍存在着争议。本研究采用了回顾性临床研究,探讨两种微创手术方式治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者的效果差异。方法 选取2016年2月—2021年3月华润武钢总医院肝胆外科采取微创手术治疗的85例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者进行回顾性研究,根据手术方式分为LC+LCBDE+PDC组（43例）和ERCP+EST+LC组（42例）。对比两组患者的一般资料、术中及术后恢复指标、肝功能及炎症应激反应指标的差异。结果 两组患者的手术时间、LC手术时间、结石残留、中转开腹率比较,两组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;LC+LCBDE+PDC组患者的手术出血量、术后拔除引流管时间、术后下地时间、住院时间均低于ERCP+EST+LC组,差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.05）;术前、术后,两组患者的ALT、AST、TBIL、DBIL水平组间比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）;术后两组患者的ALT、AST、TBIL、DBIL水平较本组术前均显著降低,差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.05）;术前,两组患者的CRP、IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α、皮质醇（Cor）、肾上腺素（E）水平比较,差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）;术后,LC+LCBDE+PDC组患者的CRP、IL-6、TNF-α、Cor水平低于ERCP+EST+LC组,差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.05）;LC+LCBDE+PDC组患者的手术并发症发生率4.56%,ERCP+EST+LC组患者的并发症发生率19.05%,两组差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 LC+LCBDE+PDC与LC+EST+ERCP治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的效果均较好,前者具有手术出血量少、术后恢复快,炎症应激反应程度轻,并发症少等优势。     

对比腔内微波消融与大隐静脉高位结扎及剥脱术治疗下肢静脉曲张效果

目的 对比分析腔内微波消融（EMA）与大隐静脉高位结扎及剥脱术（简称传统剥脱术）治疗下肢静脉曲张的效果。方法 回顾性分析94例单侧下肢静脉曲张患者,其中45例接受超声引导下EMA治疗（EMA组）、49例接受传统剥脱术（传统组）;记录并比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口数量、住院时间及术后并发症,并于术后6及12个月行临床严重程度评分（VCSS）和阿伯丁静脉曲张问卷（AVVQ）评分以评估疗效。结果 94例均治疗成功。EMA组手术时间及住院时间较传统组短,术中失血量及切口数量均少于传统组（P均<0.05）。组间术后并发症皮下淤血、皮下血肿及皮肤灼伤发生率差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）,局部感觉异常及切口感染发生率差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。术前及术后组间VCSS、AVVQ评分差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。术后6及12个月,2组VCSS及AVVQ评分均较术前降低（P均<0.05）。结论 EMA与传统剥脱术治疗下肢静脉曲张效果相当,前者安全性更高。     

微创股骨头置换术与股骨近端防旋髓内钉治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折的疗效比较

目的：探讨微创股骨头置换术与股骨近端防旋髓内钉（proximal femoral nail antirotation,PFNA）内固定术治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者的临床疗效。方法：2020年4月至2020年10月治疗高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者76例,分别采用微创股骨头置换术（假体组）与PFNA内固定术。假体组35例,女24例,男11例,年龄（86.2±6.1）岁;PFNA组41例,女28例,男13例,年龄（84.6±5.3）岁。观察比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后下地活动时间、住院时间及并发症发生情况,术后1、6、12个月行髋关节功能Harris评分。结果：患者均获得随访,时间13~17（14.3±1.4）个月。假体组手术时间长于PFNA组（P<0.05）;PFNA组出血量少于假体组（P<0.05）;术后下地活动时间假体组明显早于PFNA组（P<0.05）;术后1、6个月假体组的Harris评分高于PFNA组（P<0.05）,术后12个月两组Harris评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。假体组并发症少于PFNA组（P<0.05）。结论：高龄粉碎性股骨转子间骨折患者,采用微创股骨头置换术治疗是一种良好选择,有利于术后早期康复,减少并发症,提高生活质量,减轻家属及社会负担。     

肝切除与微波消融治疗胰腺导管腺癌术后异时性肝寡转移的疗效比较

背景与目的 针对胰腺导管腺癌（PDAC）根治术后发生的异时性肝转移的治疗,目前尚无明确的临床指南共识。因此,本研究比较肝切除术（LR）与微波消融（MWA）治疗PDAC根治术后异时性肝寡转移的疗效,旨在为该类患者的临床管理提供参考依据。方法 回顾性收集四川省眉山市人民医院2014年1月—2021年12月期间收治的74例PDAC根治术后发生异时性肝寡转移患者的临床病理资料,其中37例行LR治疗（LR组）,28例行MWA治疗（MWA组）,9例仅行姑息性化疗（保守治疗组,与前两组作生存获益对比）。基于临床随访资料,比较LR组和MWA组的术后并发症及远期疗效,分析影响PDAC患者远期疗效的危险因素。结果 LR组与MWA组的基线资料差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。LR组与MWA组的中位总生存期（OS）分别为25.0个月（95% CI=21.5~28.5）和23.0个月（95% CI=19.2~26.8）,而保守治疗组的中位OS为11.0个月（95% CI=8.9~13.1）。LR组和MWA组的中位无进展生存期（PFS）分别为17.0个月（95% CI=14.7~19.3）和15.0个月（95% CI=11.7~18.3）。生存曲线比较结果显示,LR组与MWA组的OS率与PFS率差异均无统计学意义（χ²=0.184,P=0.668;χ²=0.488,P=0.485）。两组复发率差异无统计学意义（70.3% vs. 78.6%,χ²=0.569,P=0.451）,LR组术后严重并发症总发生率明显高于MWA组（48.6% vs. 14.3%,χ²=8.405,P=0.004）。LR组住院时间明显长于MWA组（9.0 d vs. 5.0 d,P<0.001）。Cox多因素回归分析结果显示,围术期未行化疗及早期发生肝转移（<1年）是PDAC预后不良的独立危险因素（均P<0.05）。结论 LR和MWA两种方式治疗PDAC术后异时性肝转移均能使患者取得生存获益,且远期疗效相似,但MWA术后严重并发症更少,住院时间更短。未联合围术期化疗和早期发生肝转移（<1年）的PDAC患者预后较差。     

射频消融术与大隐静脉高位结扎剥脱术治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效比较

背景与目的 大隐静脉高位结扎剥脱术（HSL）是治疗下肢静脉曲张的经典术式,但存在创伤较大、恢复时间较长、切口瘢痕不美观等缺点。随着医疗技术的进步,以腔内热消融治疗为代表的微创治疗技术蓬勃发展。本研究旨在对比射频消融术（RFA）与传统HSL治疗下肢静脉曲张的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2021年5月—2022年6月期间因原发性下肢静脉曲张于首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院血管外科行手术治疗的272例患者（298条肢体）的临床与随访资料,其中96例（100条肢体）行RFA治疗（RFA组）,176例（198条肢体）行HSL治疗（HSL组）。比较两组患者的术前临床特征、手术情况、并发症情况、临床表现-病因学-解剖学-病理生理学（CEAP）分级、静脉临床严重程度评分（VCSS）和慢性静脉功能不全问卷-14问版（CIVIQ-14）评分的变化情况。结果 两组技术成功率均为100%,术后3 d复查超声提示大隐静脉主干缺如/闭合率为100%。共完成随访265例（290条肢体）,平均随访时间（13.2±3.8）个月,随访期间超声提示大隐静脉主干缺如/闭合率为100%。两组患者的基本临床特征无明显差异（均P>0.05）;与HSL组比较,RFA组术中出血量（21.3 mL vs. 46.8 mL）、术后第1天疼痛评分（3.1 vs. 3.3）、总并发症发生率（25.5% vs. 38.0%）及皮肤感觉异常发生率（5.1% vs. 24.0%）均明显降低（均P<0.05）,RFA组的深静脉血栓形成发生率升高（5.1% vs. 0,P<0.05）;术后所有患者CEAP分级均较术前降级,RFA组81.7%的患肢降级为C0~C1级,HSL组83.9%的患肢降级为C0~C1级;所有患者的VCSS和CIVIQ-14评分均较术前有所改善,且HSL组的VCSS评分改善程度大于RFA组（均P<0.05）。结论 RFA短期疗效与HSL相当,相对于HSL而言,创伤更小、疼痛感更轻、并发症发生率更低,是一种下肢静脉曲张的有效治疗方案。     

胰体尾切除术后胰瘘发生率及其影响因素分析

背景与目的 胰瘘是胰体尾切除（DP）术后最常见并发症,其与患者的预后及转归有着密切的关系。因此,本研究在探讨DP术后胰瘘发生情况及其影响因素,为制订防治措施提供依据。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月—2021年2月中国人民解放军空军军医大学第二附属医院收治的99例因胰腺肿瘤行DP术患者的临床资料,统计患者术后胰瘘的发生率,对可能导致术后胰瘘发生的相关因素行单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析。结果 99例患者DP术后生化漏发生率为34.3%（34/99）,B级胰瘘发生率18.2%（18/99）,C级胰瘘发生率1.0%（1/99）。单因素分析结果示,年龄、手术时间、胰管直径及是否联合脾切与胰瘘发生明显有关（均P<0.05）,多因素Logistic回归分析结果示,年龄<42岁（OR=0.955,95% CI=0.914~0.998）、手术时间≥253 min（OR=1.013,95% CI=1.005~1.021）及联合脾切术（OR=4.152,95% CI=1.043~16.535）为DP术后胰瘘的独立危险因素（均P<0.05）。结论 DP术后有一定的胰瘘发生率,年龄、手术时间、联合脾切是DP术后胰瘘的独立危险因素。这些危险因素评估对术后胰瘘的风险预测及防范措施的制定提供了一定的依据。     

高龄髋部骨折行人工髋关节置换术后患者再入院危险因素分析

目的:探讨高龄髋部骨折行人工髋关节置换术后患者再入院的发生率及危险因素分析。方法:回顾性分析2015年2月至2020年10月接受人工髋关节置换的高龄髋部骨折患者237例,根据患者术后3个月再入院情况分为两组,其中再入院组39例,男7例,女32例,年龄(84.59±4.34)岁;未再入院组198例,男34例,女164例,年龄(84.65±4.17)岁。将两组患者的一般资料、手术情况、髋关节Harris评分和并发症纳入单因素分析,并采用多因素Logistic回归分析患者再入院的独立危险因素。结果:再入院组中合并症(脑梗死和冠心病)的比例明显高于未再入院组(P<0.05),再入院组中术中出血量明显高于未再入院组(P<0.05),髋关节Harris评分明显低于未再入院组(P<0.05)。在并发症方面,再入院组发生感染、谵妄、关节脱位、贫血和静脉血栓形成的比例明显高于未再入院组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,高龄髋部骨折行人工髋关节置换术后患者再入院危险因素包括脑梗死、感染、谵妄、关节脱位、贫血和静脉血栓形成(P<0.05)。结论:高龄髋部骨折行人工髋关节置换术后再入院的患者并发症明显高于未再入院患者,脑梗死、感染、谵妄、关节脱位、贫血和静脉血栓形成是导致患者再入院的危险因素,临床可根据这些危险因素采取相应的干预措施,以此减低患者再入院的发生率。     

带股骨距假体置换与髓内钉治疗高龄股骨转子间骨折的临床疗效对比

目的：分析采用带股骨距假体髋关节置换术与同期行闭合复位防旋股骨近端髓内钉（proximal femoral nail antirotation,PFNA）内固定术治疗高龄患者（≥ 80岁）股骨转子间不稳定型骨折（Evans Ⅲ、Ⅳ型）的临床疗效。方法：回顾分析2016年6月至2018年3月采用假体置换与PFNA治疗的高龄股骨转子间不稳定型骨折患者60例,根据手术方式分为PFNA组与假体组,其中PFNA组男21例,女15例,年龄（84.3±2.9）岁;假体组男10例,女14例,年龄（82.9±2.4）岁。观察比较两组手术时间、术前与术后1 d血红蛋白差值、术后下地活动时间、住院时间及并发症发生情况,术后3、12个月行髋关节功能Harris评分。结果：患者均获得随访,时间12~24（19.3±4.8）个月,假体组1例1年后死于肺癌,随访终止。假体组手术时间长于PFNA组（P<0.05）;术前后血红蛋白差值,假体组与PFNA组无差异（P>0.05）;下地活动时间,假体组早于PFNA组（P<0.05）;并发症出现数量,假体组少于PFNA组（P<0.05）;治疗前假体组与PFNA组Harris评分差异无统计学意义,治疗后两组评分均较治疗前显著升高（P<0.05）,术后3个月随访假体组评分高于髓内钉组（P<0.05）,术后12个月差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。。结论：对高龄不稳定型股骨转子间骨折,尤其骨质疏松严重者,实施带股骨距假体髋关节置换术治疗是一种良好选择,有利于高龄患者术后功能锻炼和早期下地活动,减少并发症,提高生活质量,减轻家属及社会负担。     

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.