退变性腰椎侧凸的手术治疗及疗效

目的探讨退变性腰椎侧凸的后路手术方法和手术疗效。方法回顾性分析2007~2012年本院手术治疗并获得随访的32例退变性腰椎侧凸患者的手术方法及疗效。患者均接受腰椎后路减压椎间融合器植骨融合内固定术,术后随访6个月~6年。采用下腰痛Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)对患者手术前后的临床症状进行评分和疗效评价;通过手术前后冠状位和矢状位Cobb角度的比较,了解患者手术治疗的侧凸矫正率和腰椎前凸的恢复情况。结果患者ODI术前(52.30±13.65)%、术后(9.62±6.41)%,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),术后疼痛改善率为81.6%。32例患者中,24例疗效为优,6例疗效为良,2例疗效为可,术后疗效评价的优良率为93.8%。患者冠状位Cobb角术前21.99°±8.97°、术后6.84°±5.32°,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),侧凸矫正率为69.0%。患者腰椎前凸Cobb角术前13.80°±15.99°、术后24.95°±12.86°,术前术后比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸采用腰椎后路减压椎间融合器植骨融合椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗效果较理想,术后疗效满意。手术的关键是彻底减压、正确选择融合节段、重建退变节段椎间高度、矫正前凸减少和后凸畸形、纠正椎体侧方移位和侧凸畸形以稳定椎体。     

退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略

目的退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄多为中老年患者,治疗方法选择复杂。探讨退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的阶梯性治疗策略及疗效。方法 2005年1月-2009年12月,收治退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄患者117例,根据患者意愿、内科合并症、腰腿痛症状、腰椎侧凸后凸旋转三维畸形、腰椎稳定性的情况(侧方滑移、退变性滑脱),以及脊柱整体平衡状态,阶梯性地选择保守治疗(43例)、后路单纯减压术(18例)、后路短节段融合术(1～2个节段,41例)、后路长节段融合畸形矫正(≥3个节段,15例)方法治疗。比较患者治疗前后腰痛及腿痛的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、腰椎前凸角、侧凸Cobb角的变化。结果术后获1年以上随访72例;无死亡及内固定失败。保守治疗19例平均随访19.3个月(1～5年),无症状加重,末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路单纯减压术12例平均随访36个月(1～5年),末次随访时腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰痛VAS评分较治疗前减小,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);腰椎前凸角减小、侧凸Cobb角增大,但进展缓慢,与治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。后路短节段融合31例平均随访21.3个月(1～3年),术后发生血肿、切口愈合不良、脑脊液漏、浅表感染各1例,经对症处理后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI较治疗前均明显降低(P<0.05),腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均明显改善(P<0.05)。后路长节段融合10例平均随访17.1个月(1～3年),术后症状加重1例,经理疗及药物治疗3个月后缓解;术后深部感染1例,经清创切口持续冲洗引流后治愈;末次随访时腰痛及腿痛VAS评分、ODI、腰椎前凸角及侧凸Cobb角均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05)。结论退变性腰椎侧凸合并椎管狭窄的治疗应个体化、阶梯性地选择治疗方案。手术治疗以减压为主、矫形为辅,应准确判断症状责任节段、侧凸责任节段、后凸责任节段,防止手术扩大化,积极控制出血,提高手术安全性。     

个体化手术治疗重度退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄症

目的：评价个体化手术治疗退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄症的临床疗效。方法：回顾性分析自 2013 年 5 月—2017 年 5 月陆军军医大学大坪医院采用个体化手术,治疗 48 例重度退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄症的临床疗效,即：根据每例患者的症状、体征、影像学表现,判定责任节段,精准减压;根据侧凸的类型应用截骨矫正、钉棒矫正、融合器矫正等方法适度矫正;合理应用长节段融合。观察术后疼痛缓解和功能改善情况。结果：所有患者均顺利完成手术,平均随访 29.5 月,术后患者临床症状明显缓解或消失,术后患者的 Cobb 角显著减小（P<0.01）、腰椎前凸角显著恢复（P<0.01）,VAS 评分显著降低（P<0.01）,ODI 评分显著改善（P<0.01）;未出现严重并发症。结论：个体化手术是治疗重度退变性腰椎侧凸合并腰椎管狭窄症的有效方法之一。     

后路椎管减压融合矫形椎弓根钉内固定治疗Aebi1型退变性脊柱侧凸

目的 探讨后路椎管减压融合矫形椎弓根钉内固定治疗Aebi 1型退变性脊柱侧凸的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析自2007-02-2012-01收治的21例Aebi 1型退变性脊柱侧凸,采用后路椎管减压融合矫形椎弓根钉内固定手术治疗,随访19-26个月,平均22.3个月,观察JOA评分改善率、VAS评分以及侧凸Cobb角和腰椎前凸角矫正角度等指标进行疗效评价。结果 本组手术过程均顺利,随访期间观察VAS评分、JOA评分改善率、侧凸Cobb角和腰椎前凸角等指标,并在术后1、6、12、18个月分别进行评价,各项数据与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论 彻底减压、合理选择融合节段、提高融合率、适度矫形重建腰椎力学平衡是成功治疗Aebi 1型退变性脊柱侧凸的关键。     

后路减压联合不同融合节段固定治疗退变性脊柱侧凸疗效分析

目的比较后路减压联合短节段或长节段融合对退变性脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。方法回顾分析随访2年以上退变性脊柱侧凸患者44例,均行后路减压椎弓根螺钉固定融合手术,根据融合范围分为短节段组和长节段组。记录2组患者术前、术后即刻、末次随访的影像学参数和Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disabiliby index,ODI）评分。结果 2组平均融合节段分别为2.8和5.8个,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。术前短节段组平均侧凸Cobb角为15.9°,长节段组为23.5°;术后Cobb角矫正率分别为23%和61%,手术前后差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。长节段较短节段融合对冠状面失平衡和侧方滑脱改善明显,但2种手术方式对腰椎前凸及矢状面失平衡矫形效果无显著差异。长节段融合早期并发症较短节段融合高。2组患者手术前后ODI评分无明显差异。结论侧凸Cobb角较小、保持良好脊柱平衡的退变性脊柱侧凸患者可选择后路减压联合短节段融合手术,Cobb角较大或严重侧方滑脱的患者选择长节段融合可提高矫形效果,严重矢状面失衡的患者可考虑行截骨矫形手术。     

后路手术治疗腰椎退变性侧凸的临床分析

[目的]探讨手术治疗腰椎退变性侧凸的临床疗效。[方法]2008年2月~2012年6月对38例腰椎退变性侧凸患者,采用后路椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、矫形加椎间和/或后外侧植骨融合手术治疗,术后随访6~24个月,观察其疗效。[结果]全部患者手术顺利,随访时间平均14个月(6~24个月)。95%的患者疼痛明显减轻,间歇性跛行缓解,随访期间矫正度数无明显丢失。[结论]椎管充分减压、适度矫正畸形、融合加椎弓根螺钉内固定是治疗腰椎退变性侧凸安全有效的方法。     

成人退变性脊柱侧凸远端融合到L5还是S1?

<正>成人退变性脊柱侧凸的手术目标是缓解腰背痛和下肢痛,部分纠正脊柱畸形~([1、2]),改善功能,提高患者生活质量。常用的手术方法包括单纯减压、减压加短节段融合、减压加长节段融合及畸形矫正。对腰椎侧凸严重、顶椎有明显侧方滑脱的患者往往需要减压、矫形加长节段融合来治疗~([1、2])。     

短节段融合对退变性腰椎侧凸邻近节段椎间角的影响

目的 研究退变性腰椎侧凸短节段融合后邻近节段椎间角的变化特点.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2007年5月28例退变性腰椎侧凸患者的临床资料.其中男性6例,女性22例;平均年龄62岁;侧凸范围3～6个椎节,平均4.8个椎节.采用后方椎板切除减压、椎弓根螺钉内固定、后外侧植骨融合术;融合范围限制在侧凸范围内,平均融合3.3个椎节.术前、术后即刻及随访时拍摄站立腰椎正侧位X线片,测量冠状面侧凸Cobb角、近端融合椎上方邻近节段正位及侧位椎间角,并观察植骨融合及并发症发生情况.结果 患者均获随访,随访时间25～97个月,平均50个月.术后即刻侧凸Cobb角平均矫形率33.7%,末次随访时矫形丢失平均3.7°,术前及末次随访侧凸Cobb角与术后即刻比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).末次随访时正位椎间角与术前、术后即刻相比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).末次随访时均未发现明显假关节形成及内植物相关并发症.结论 退变性腰椎侧凸短节段融合后对近端融合椎上方邻近节段正位椎间角的矫正有限,且不能阻止其进一步加重.     

退变性腰椎侧凸的外科治疗

目的探讨退变性腰椎侧凸的特点、诊断与治疗。方法2001年7月至2004年1月手术治疗退变性脊柱侧凸患者15例,行后路彻底椎板减压、椎弓根钉棒矫形固定,椎间融合器融合12例,后外侧植骨融合3例,回顾性分析其临床特点、手术方法与效果。结果术后侧凸平均矫正率为42.8%,腰腿痛均消失,下肢麻木等症状减轻,随访6~36个月,植骨融合良好,无融合器移位,矫正度数与椎间隙高度无丢失。结论成人退变性腰椎侧凸发病年龄大,多合并腰椎管狭窄、失稳等,腰腿痛原因复杂,治疗的主要目的是彻底减压,通过矫形使脊柱重新获得稳定,椎弓根钉棒固定及椎间融合是有效的治疗方法。     

脊柱后入路手术治疗Simmon Ⅱ型腰椎退变性侧凸

目的探讨后路手术治疗Simmon型腰椎退变性侧凸的临床疗效。方法自2008年3月至2010年2月对28例Simmon型腰椎退变性侧凸患者,采用后路椎管减压、矫形、椎弓根螺钉内固定加椎间和/或后外侧植骨融合手术治疗,术后随访3个月～2年,观察其疗效。结果全部患者手术顺利,随访时间平均11个月（3～24个月）。83%的患者疼痛明显减轻,下肢神经性间歇性跛行缓解,随访期间矫正度数无明显丢失。结论充分减压、适当矫形、融合加椎弓根螺钉内固定是治疗Simmon型腰椎退变性侧凸安全有效的方法。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion is associated with modest reduction of allogeneic transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery

Background: The efficacy of intraoperative salvage and washing of wound blood and the predictors of allogeneic red cell transfusions in prosthetic hip surgery are insufficiently known.
Methods: In 96 patients, undergoing primary or revision surgery, salvaged and washed red cells and, if necessary, allogeneic blood were used to keep haematocrit not lower than 33%. The bleeding of red cells during hospital stay was calculated from the red cell balance. The preoperative red cell reserve (millilitres of red cells in excess of a haematocrit of 33%) was estimated and the difference between this volume and the total bleeding of red cells was retrospectively used to classify patients with regard to the need for red cells. Stepwise regression analysis was used to define patient-related variables associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.
Results: Preoperative knowledge of the type of operation (primary, revision), the preoperative red cell reserve, and the body mass could predict roughly half of the need for banked blood (r²=0.45). Only one-third of the total bleeding of red cells was retransfused. For complete avoidance of allogeneic blood, autotransfusion was most effective in patients with a moderate need (0–4 u). However, 32% of such patients required allogeneic blood.
Conclusions: Autotransfusion has a limited efficacy to decrease the need for allogeneic blood, and other blood-saving methods should be added for this purpose. It is difficult to predict the need for allogeneic blood preoperatively.     

缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响

目的    观察缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响,探讨外泌体在缺氧致肾脏损伤中的作用及机制。 方法    （1）常氧（21% O₂）及缺氧（1% O₂）分别处理大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）48 h,收集细胞上清液并使用高速梯度离心法分离外泌体。采用透射电镜、纳米示踪分析、Western印迹、蛋白浓度定量鉴定并比较两组外泌体的基本特性。（2）在共培养实验中,以不同浓度（1、10、50、100、300 mg/L）的常氧外泌体、缺氧外泌体分别干预脂多糖（LPS）诱导的大鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞,使用实时荧光定量PCR与酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法分别检测巨噬细胞白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、诱导型氮氧化物合酶（iNOS）水平;使用Western印迹法检测巨噬细胞磷酸化（p）STAT/STAT及细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白1（SOCS1）的蛋白表达;最后,使用实时荧光定量PCR法检测常氧外泌体与缺氧外泌体中炎性反应相关微RNA（microRNA,miR）的表达差异。 结果    （1）离心得到的囊泡具有外泌体典型的结构,粒径小于150 nm,表达外泌体标志蛋白CD63,说明分离得到外泌体。缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌的外泌体形态、粒径分布比例无明显影响,但提高了外泌体的分泌量。（2）缺氧外泌体相比于常氧外泌体促进了LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS 的表达和分泌（均P＜0.01）,同时提高STAT的磷酸化水平并减少SOCS1的蛋白表达（均P＜0.01）;对炎性反应相关microRNA检测发现缺氧外泌体中miR-155、miR-27a表达量较常氧外泌体明显升高（P＜0.05）。 结论    缺氧可改变外泌体的生物学功能,表现为协同促进LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞的表型转化,这可能是慢性肾脏病微炎性反应状态持续的原因之一。     

In Vitro Function and Durability Assessment of a Novel Polyurethane Heart Valve Prosthesis

Abstract While flexible-leaflet, central-flow prosthetic heart valves promise relief from anticoagulation therapy, they continue to be restricted by inadequate durability. In consequence, a novel trileaflet valve, made entirely from polyurethane, has been developed. A batch of 6 consecutively manufactured polyurethane valves was subjected to hydrodynamic function and accelerated fatigue testing. Computerized data acquisition and control systems have been introduced to improve valve testing methodologies. In terms of hydrodynamic function, the polyurethane valve demonstrates transvalvular pressure gradients similar to those for a bioprosthetic valve (Carpentier-Edwards) and levels of retrograde flow significantly less than those for either the bioprosthetic valve or a bileaflet mechanical valve (St Jude Medical). The equivalent of 10 years of cycling without failure has been exceeded by all 6 polyurethane valves in accelerated fatigue tests with 2 valves remaining intact after 674 million cycles (equivalent to approximately 17 years) in continuing tests. Highspeed photography revealed considerable differences in leaflet motion between valves cycled at accelerated and physiological rates.     

Negative pressure ventilation vs. spontaneous assisted ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy: A controlled randomised trial

Background: Ventilation during interventional rigid bronchoscopy (IRB) under general anaesthesia (jet ventilation, positive pressure ventilation and spontaneous assisted ventilation) may offer some difficulties. This study compares the effectiveness during IRB of intermittent negative pressure ventilation (INPV) and spontaneous assisted ventilation (SAV). Methods: Thirty-eight patients submitted to IRB were randomised into two groups: SAV or INPV. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia; INPV patients were paralysed. Pre-and intra-operative arterial blood gases and O₂ flow through a rigid bronchoscope were assessed. The endoscopist applying a subjective score evaluated the operating conditions. Results: Patients of the INPV group, as compared to the SAV group, required a lower dosage of fentanyl (2.6 ± 1.8 (μg · kg^?1· h^?1 vs. 6.6 ± 4.8 μg · kg^?1· h^?1), a lower O₂ supply (3.3 ± 2.8 1/min vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 1/min), a shorter recovery time (5.4 ± 2.9 min vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 min) and no manually assisted ventilation (0 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 1.1 nd?/procedure). Intraoperative PaCO₂ was higher in the SAV (8.1 ± 1.3 kPa) than in the INPV group (5.0 ± 1.6 kPa) and intraoperative pH differed in the two groups (7.26 ± 0.05, SAV vs. 7.47 ± 0.08, INPV). Operating conditions, as assessed by a subjective score, were considered better with INPV than with SAV (4.9 vs. 4.3). Conclusions: As compared to SAV, INPV in paralysed patients during IRB reduces administration of opioids, shortens recovery time, prevents respiratory acidosis, excludes the need for manually assisted ventilation, reduces 02 need and affords optimal surgical conditions. INPV appears a safe, non-invasive and effective ventilatory management during IRB.