蝎肽抗菌凝胶联合外科手术治疗下肢静脉性溃疡的疗效观察

目的观察蝎肽抗菌凝胶用于治疗C6期下肢静脉曲张手术后静脉性溃疡的临床效果。方法接受常规手术的C6期下肢静脉曲张病人36例,采用数字随机表法将病人分为两组:对照组18例,采用常规更换敷料治疗;蝎肽抗菌凝胶组18例,采用外敷蝎肽抗菌凝胶,并定期更换敷料。比较两组病人术后不同时间点的创面疼痛评分、感染情况和创面愈合速度。结果第24小时、48小时和72小时两组病人术后创面疼痛评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。蝎肽抗菌凝胶组病人术后创面愈合过程中,未出现再感染情况,对照组4例,两组病人术后创面感染率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后蝎肽抗菌凝胶组创面愈合时间为(21.7±7.9)天,对照组为(29.4±8.6)天,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论蝎肽抗菌凝胶治疗C6期下肢静脉曲张术后静脉性溃疡,可缩短愈合时间,降低术后创面感染的几率。     

不同敷料对深度烧伤创面植皮后愈合情况的影响对比

目的:对比分析不同敷料对深度烧伤创面植皮后愈合情况的影响。方法:选取我院于2011年5月～2012年5月收治的69例深度烧伤并接受创面植皮的患者,选择患者身上2处大小为1%的邻近创面,将创面内层覆盖物为聚酰胺薄纱的所有创面作为实验组,内层覆盖物为凡士林油纱的创面作为对照组。对比分析两组术后的创面蒸发量、不同时间点的创面愈合率、创面愈合时间及换药时的疼痛情况。结果:术后5天,实验组内层敷料表面的蒸发量要明显少于对照组[(25.3±6.1)ml.h-.1m-2vs(35.8±4.9)ml.h-.1m-2t=11.147 P<0.05],所有患者内层敷料表面的蒸发量要显著少于裸露创面(P<0.05),但高于正常皮肤表面(P<0.05);实验组术后10天,15天及20天的创面愈合率均高于对照组[(81.2±19.5,95.3±9.4,99.8±0.4)%vs(72.4±7.6,84.6±10.4,97.2±2.3)%t=3.493,6.340,9.251 P<0.05],且创面完全愈合时间要显著短于对照组[(14.1±2.0)天vs(17.2±2.5)天t=8.043 P<0.05];实验组术后5天换药及揭除内层敷料时的VAS评分要明显低于对照组[(3.3±0.7,5.0±0.6)vs(4.9±0.4,7.9±0.5),t=16.485,30.843 P<0.05]。结论:相比与传统的凡士林油纱,聚酰胺薄纱更有利于深度烧伤创面植皮后的愈合,且减轻了患者换药时的疼痛,值得推广。     

重度宫腔粘连术后应用麒麟丸联合人工周期治疗临床疗效观察

目的观察重度宫腔粘连患者粘连分离术后应用麒麟丸联合戊酸雌二醇的临床疗效。方法选取2016年10月至2017年12月于我院行宫腔粘连分离术治疗的100例重度宫腔粘连患者为研究对象,随机分为研究组(50例)及对照组(50例)。研究组自术后当日给予麒麟丸联合戊酸雌二醇片促进内膜修复,对照组仅给予戊酸雌二醇片促进内膜修复。比较两组患者治疗后的子宫内膜厚度、宫腔镜复查次数及恢复时间。结果两组患者治疗3个周期后子宫内膜厚度均有显著改善(P0.05),且研究组子宫内膜厚度显著优于对照组[(0.77±0.13)cm vs.(0.66±0.12)cm,P0.05];研究组术后恢复至正常宫腔所需时长较对照组显著缩短[(3.22±0.89)个月vs.(3.64±0.96)个月,P0.05],粘连复发率亦显著低于对照组(16.0%vs.20.0%,P0.05);自术后宫腔恢复正常后继续随访12个月,研究组辅助生殖治疗临床妊娠率显著高于对照组(38.0%vs.32.0%,P0.05)。结论重度宫腔粘连分离术后应用麒麟丸联合戊酸雌二醇辅助治疗,可改善子宫内膜厚度,缩短术后恢复至正常宫腔所需时间,提高术后临床妊娠率,降低宫腔粘连复发几率。     

耳穴压豆对妇科腔镜术后胃肠运动功能的影响

目的:观察耳穴压豆对妇科腹腔镜手术后胃肠运动功能的影响。方法:选取妇科腔镜手术患者90例,随机分为治疗组、对照组和空白对照组各30例。治疗组神门、胃和贲门行王不留行籽贴压耳穴,记录术后恢复排气、排便时间并听取肠鸣音,检测麻醉前30 min、术后24 h、术后48 h血浆胃动素(MTL)、胃泌素(GAS)、血管活性肠肽(VIP)水平,以及术后恶心呕吐的情况。结果:治疗组术后恶心呕吐发生率与对照组相比降低(10%vs 30%;P0.05),恢复排气时间明显缩短[(23.0±6.1)h vs(30.2±6.7)h,P0.05],排便时间也缩短[(40.5±5.5)h vs(60.4±8.9)h,P0.05];治疗组术后24 h、48 h血浆MLT水平较对照组明显降低[(349.45±25.75)pg/m L vs(378.89±23.97)pg/m L;(301.34±36.32)pg/m L vs(368.64±20.67)pg/m L,P0.05];治疗组术后24 h、48 h血浆GAS水平明显升高[(149.45±25.75)pg/m L vs(136.43±27.09)pg/m L;(168.34±21.60)pg/m L vs(142.34±32.57)pg/m L,P0.05];治疗组术后24 h、48 h血浆VIP水平也明显升高[(42.45±2.75)pg/m L vs(39.89±2.97)pg/m L;(30.34±3.32)pg/m L vs(37.64±2.67)pg/m L,P0.05]。结论:耳穴压豆在一定程度上可以增强昂丹司琼的镇吐作用,减轻妇科腔镜手术后恶心呕吐,促进胃肠运动功能恢复,其机制可能是其抑制MLT释放、促进GAS和VIP的释放。     

直肠癌患者的腹腔镜手术效果研究

目的:对比腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗直肠癌的手术疗效,探讨腹腔镜手术治疗直肠癌的安全性与预后。方法:选择84例直肠癌患者,其中42例行腹腔镜直肠癌根治术(观察组),42例行开腹直肠癌根治术(对照组),对比分析两组患者的手术疗效。结果:观察组与对照组的全直肠系膜切除术完成率(88.1%vs.92.9%)、保肛率(81.0%vs.76.2%)、淋巴结清扫数量[(13.2±7.6)vs.(13.6±7.8)]、肿瘤近切缘距离[(10.2±5.8)cm vs.(10.1±5.4)cm]与远切缘距离[(3.5±1.2)cm vs.(3.6±1.3)cm]差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组手术时间长于对照组[(154.6±76.3)min vs.(122.1±57.5)min,P0.05],但术中出血量少于对照组[(98.3±47.6)ml vs.(174.4±82.2)ml,P0.05]。观察组患者术后住院时间[(9.2±2.3)d vs.(11.4±4.6)d]、术后排气时间[(2.6±1.1)d vs.(3.5±1.7)d]、术后进半流质饮食时间[(3.6±1.1)d vs.(4.3±1.4)d]、并发症发生率(11.9%vs.31.0%)均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者均无围手术期死亡病例。术后随访,两组患者局部复发率(2.4%vs.4.8%)及1年(83.3%vs.81.0%)、3年(78.6%vs.73.8%)生存率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除术治疗直肠癌可取得与开腹手术相同的疗效,且具有术中出血少、并发症发生率低、术后康复快的优点。     

比较分析行单孔腹腔镜下完全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术与三孔TEP的临床效果

目的分析单孔腹腔镜下完全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术与三孔TEP临床效果,为临床治疗提供参考。方法选取东莞市东莞康华医院2012年1月至2015年1月收治腹股沟疝患者60例为研究对象,随机分为观察组和对照组各30例,观察组患者行单孔腹腔镜下全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术,对照组行三孔TEP,分析两组患者治疗效果。结果观察组患者手术时间显著长于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义[(77.22±9.12)min vs(56.13±8.15)min,P0.05];观察组患者疼痛程度评分显著低于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义[(2.4±0.8)分vs(4.9±1.3)分,P0.05];观察组患者住院费用显著低于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义[(11 036±128)元vs(15 852±206)元,P0.05];观察组切口满意度显著高于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义[93.3%vs 73.3%,P0.05];两组患者术中出血量、住院时间、复发率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论腹股沟疝治疗中,单孔腹腔镜TEP安全可行,有利于患者恢复,具有使用价值。     

透光旋切术联合传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效评估

目的探讨透光旋切术(TIPP)联合传统手术治疗下肢静脉曲张的疗效及对其生活质量的影响评估。方法选取本院收治的200例下肢静脉曲张患者,根据手术治疗方式的不同,分为研究组(采用TIPP联合传统手术治疗)及对照组(仅采用传统手术治疗)两组各100例,比较两组患者的临床疗效等差异。结果研究组患者的术中出血量[(34.6±5.2)ml vs(63.3±7.0)ml]、住院时间[(5.4±1.2)天vs(7.8±1.5)天]、下床活动时间[(21.0±2.4)小时vs(26.1±3.5)小时]及术后复发率[0 vs 8%]均显著低于对照组(P0.05);研究组患者的术后并发症率(33.0%)与对照组患者(41.0%)比较无统计学差异(P0.05);术后1个月,两组患者CIVIQ及VCSS评分均显著优于术前(P0.05),且研究组患者评分显著优于对照组(P0.05),研究组患者下肢皮肤溃疡愈合情况显著优于对照组(P0.05)。结论 TIPP联合传统手术可显著提高下肢静脉曲张患者的生活质量,同时降低复发率且有利于下肢皮肤溃疡的愈合,值得临床推广应用,但远期疗效仍需进一步的探讨。     

早期子宫内膜癌和子宫内膜非典型增生患者保守治疗后的IVF-ET治疗结局

目的分析早期子宫内膜癌和子宫内膜非典型增生患者应用保留生育功能治疗并放置左炔诺孕酮宫内节育系统(曼月乐)后进行IVF-ET助孕的临床情况和胚胎体外培养结局。方法收集经保守治疗后完全缓解,于2017年10月至2020年4月期间转诊至我院生殖中心进行辅助生殖治疗的34例早期子宫内膜癌和子宫内膜非典型增生患者资料共57个IVF周期作为研究组,根据年龄、BMI、不孕原因、促排卵方案等在同时期匹配114个子宫内膜正常的IVF周期作为对照组。比较两组患者的基本资料、促排卵情况和胚胎体外培养情况。结果两组患者基本资料中年龄、BMI、不孕年限、基础激素水平(FSH、E2、PRL、LH)均无显著差异(P>0.05),仅研究组基础睾酮(T)水平显著低于对照组[(1.16±0.72)nmol/L vs.(1.71±0.68)nmol/L,P<0.001]。研究组较对照组Gn起始剂量[(271.2±56.3)U vs.(247.0±63.7)U]和总量[(3534.4±1263.3)U vs.(3104.9±1282.2)U]显著增高(P<0.05),研究组HCG日内膜厚度较对照组薄[(7.07±2.08)mm vs.(11.57±2.38)mm,P<0.05];两组间Gn天数无显著差异(P>0.05);HCG日激素水平除FSH无显著差异(P>0.05)外,其他所检测的激素水平(E 2、P、T、LH)在研究组均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组间获卵数[(9.0±5.8)vs.(10.4±6.4)]、MII卵数[(7.9±5.4)vs.(9.1±6.1)]、受精率(90.42%vs.90.50%)、卵裂率(99.75%vs.99.26%)和优质胚胎率(10.37%vs.10.58%)均无显著差异(P>0.05);研究组囊胚形成率显著高于对照组(47.41%vs.40.75%,P<0.05)。34位患者中有19位进行了共27个周期的冻融胚胎移植,每移植周期的妊娠率为44.4%(12/27),累积妊娠率为63.2%(12/19)。结论子宫内膜病变保守治疗后体外受精过程与其他患者类似,对于存在不孕病史的早期子宫内膜癌和子宫内膜非典型增生患者,保守治疗后体外受精-胚胎移植可以提供可靠的生育结局。     

小儿腹外疝的腹腔镜微创与传统手术治疗临床疗效比较

目的:探讨腹腔镜微创手术治疗小儿腹外疝的疗效及患儿应激反应变化。方法:选取2017年1月—2018年2月治疗的腹外疝患儿81例临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据最终选取的治疗方案分为观察组(n=49)和对照组(n=32),观察组给予腹腔镜微创手术治疗,对照组给予传统手术治疗。观察两组手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、并发症等情况,同时检测手术前后去甲肾上腺素和肾上腺素水平。结果:观察组手术时间、切口长度和术中出血量均少于对照组[(11.84±2.40)minvs.(23.01±2.15)min,(1.05±0.26)cmvs.(2.24±0.18)cm和(1.61±0.22)mLvs.(7.66±0.69)mL,均P0.05];观察组术后自主活动时间和住院时间优于对照组[(13.44±1.87)hvs.(13.44±1.87)h和(2.01±0.46)dvs.(2.01±0.46)d,P0.05];观察组治疗总费用高于对照组[(3.42±0.68)千元vs.(2.67±0.70)千元,P0.05];观察组术后去甲肾上腺素、肾上腺素和丙二醛均低于对照组[(90.43±9.22)ng/mLvs.(130.03±10.15)ng/mL,(104.41±12.25)ng/mLvs.(128.87±14.42)ng/m和(4.84±1.06)μmol/Lvs.(6.15±1.00)μmol/L,P0.05],而超氧化物歧化酶明显高于对照组[(104.45±21.15)nU/mLvs.(89.44±19.56)nU/mL,P0.05];观察组并发症发生率明显低于对照组(6.12%vs.28.13%,P0.05)。结论:微创手术治疗小儿腹外疝有较好的效果,具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少等优点,同时患儿应激反应轻。     

结肠内支架联合腹腔镜结肠癌根治术在结肠癌合并急性梗阻中的短期及中期疗效分析

目的:探讨结肠腔内支架置入联合腹腔镜下结肠癌根治术治疗结肠癌合并急性梗阻的短期及中期疗效。方法:选取2010年4月至2013年6月成功接受结肠腔内支架置入后行腹腔镜下结肠癌根治术的56例结肠癌合并急性梗阻患者(治疗组);另检索62例同期接受急诊开腹结肠癌根治术的结肠癌并急性梗阻患者作为对照(对照组)。对比两组患者的短期疗效指标及中期肿瘤学生存指标。结果:与对照组相比,治疗组术中出血量减少[(55.2±31.0)ml vs.(113.6±73.0)ml],淋巴结清扫数量增加[(20.0±5.1)vs.(15.4±5.2)],术后住院时间缩短[(7.3±2.1)d vs.(11.6±3.2)d],造口率(8.9%vs.67.7%)、术后吻合口漏发生率(2.0%vs.15.0%)、切口感染率(3.6%vs.16.1%)均降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组患者3年局部复发率(17.9%vs.19.4%)、3年无病生存率(64.3%vs.62.9%)、3年总体生存率(78.6%vs.75.8%)差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:结肠内支架联合腹腔镜下结肠癌根治术治疗结肠癌合并急性梗阻具有良好的短期及中期疗效。     

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.