微创经椎间孔腰椎体间融合术采用混合内固定的学习曲线

目的:探讨微创经椎间孔腰椎体间融合术(minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,MIS-TLIF)采用椎弓根螺钉结合经椎板关节突螺钉混合内固定的学习曲线.方法:回顾性分析我院2009年10月～2011年7月收治的48例单节段腰椎退变性疾病患者,采用单侧切口进行MIS-TLIF手术,置入单侧椎弓根螺钉后同一切口向对侧置入经椎板关节突螺钉,按时间先后顺序分成A～D四组,每组12例.对手术时间、术中出血量、手术并发症、置入经椎板关节突螺钉失败率、融合率及术后疗效进行组间比较.结果:随访时间12～30个月,平均16.3个月.手术时间A组为139.17±18.32min,B组为115.00±14.62min,C组为110.83±11.04min,D组为110.83±18.32min;术中出血量A组为140.83±33.76ml,B组为83.33±28.39ml,C组为69.17±25.03ml,D组为64.17±25.75ml.B、C、D三组的手术时间和术中出血量均明显小于A组,差异有显著性(P＜0.05),而B、C、D三组组间差异无显著性(P＞0.05).A组出现并发症3例(25.0％),其中2例硬膜囊破裂和1例神经损伤;B组发生l例硬膜囊破裂(8.3％),C、D组无并发症;A组置入经椎板关节突螺钉失败2例(16.7％),B组失败1例(8.3％),C、D组无失败病例;4组均无不融合病例.四组间并发症发生率、经椎板关节突螺钉置钉失败率及融合率差异无显著性(P＞0.05).术前腰痛/腿痛VAS评分A组为4.3±3.2分/5.5±3.1分,B组为4.5±3.8分/6.8±3.7分,C组为4.1±3.5分/5.7±3.6分,D组为4.8±3.1分/6.3±4.1分;术后1年时A组为1.3±1.1分/0.4±0.3分,B组为1.4±0.9分/0.3±0.2分,C组为1.2±0.8分/0.3±0.4分,D组为1.4±1.0分/0.2±0.2分.术前ODI评分A组为(40.2±8.1)％,B组为(45.4±9.7)％,C组为(43.2±7.9)％,D组为(39.2±8.4)％;术后1年时A组为(15.2±8.7)％;B组为(14.8±9.4)％;C组为(13.9±8.6)％;D组为(14.1±7.9)％.各组腰痛、腿痛VAS评分及ODI评分术后1年较术前显著改善(P＜0.05),而各组间差异无显著性(P＞0.05).结论:MIS-THF采用混合内固定为直视下操作,大大缩短了学习曲线,可获得可靠的融合和满意的临床效果.     

腹腔镜胃癌根治手术的学习曲线

目的探讨腹腔镜胃癌根治手术的学习曲线。方法回顾分析2004年3月~2006年2月由同一组医师完成的100例腹腔镜胃癌根治手术的临床资料。按手术先后次序分为4组(A、B、C、D),每组25例,比较各组的手术时间、出血量、淋巴结清扫总数、中转开腹率、并发症。A组手术在8个月内完成,平均每月3.1例,B组平均每月4.2例,C组平均每月6.3例,D组平均每月8.3例。结果4组病例在年龄、性别、病理分期和手术方式等方面有可比性。A、B组的手术时间分别为(230±45)min、(210±42)min,显著长于C组(180±38)min和D组(165±34)min(P<0.05);A、B组的出血量分别为(328±150)ml、(278±137)ml,显著多于C组(150±90)ml和D组(140±83)ml(P<0.05)。中转开腹率由A组的24%(6/25)、B组的20%(5/25)下降到C组的8%(2/25)、D组的4%(1/25)(χ2=5.446,P=0.155)。4组淋巴结清扫个数、并发症发生率无显著差异。结论腹腔镜胃癌根治手术的学习曲线大致为50例。     

左胸前外侧小切口冠状动脉旁路移植术学习曲线

目的探讨左胸前外侧小切口冠状动脉旁路移植术(minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass,MIDCAB)的学习曲线。方法回顾性分析2012年5月~2013年9月由同一术者连续完成的80例左胸前外侧小切口MIDCAB资料,根据手术时间顺序分为A、B、C、D四个组,每组20例。比较各组获取乳内动脉时间、吻合时间及总手术时间,术后当日引流量、术后呼吸机辅助时间及术后住院时间,以及术后并发症情况。将手术例数取对数作为自变量,以获取乳内动脉时间、总手术时间分别为因变量进行拟合得出学习曲线。结果各组术前资料无统计学差异。80例均顺利完成MIDCAB手术,无中转正中开胸,无死亡,无围术期心肌梗死发生。获取乳内动脉时间B、C、D组较A组显著缩短[(53.7±19.2)min、(50.2±17.7)min、(43.2±10.3)min vs.(77.0±30.0)min,P=0.001、0.000、0.000],B、C、D组无显著差异(P0.05)。总手术时间B、C、D组较A组显著缩短[(128.7±21.7)min、(129.0±33.3)min、(112.2±14.5)min vs.(165.2±41.8)min,P均=0.000],B、C、D组无显著差异(P0.05)。学习曲线相关模型为:获取乳内动脉时间(min)=113.77-16.869×ln(手术例数),总手术时间(min)=220.281-25.276×ln(手术例数)。结论经左前外侧小切口冠状动脉旁路移植术是一种安全有效的治疗方法,手术学习曲线约为20例。     

胸腔镜肺叶切除术治疗早期肺癌的学习曲线

目的 通过评估胸腔镜肺叶切除术治疗早期肺癌不同阶段的手术效果,探讨胸腔镜肺叶切除术的学习曲线.方法 回顾性分析2006年9月至2008年6月由同一手术组连续完成的60例全胸腔镜下肺叶切除加纵隔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期肺癌的病例资料.按手术先后依次分为4组(A、B、C、D),每组15例,比较各组手术时间、术中出血量、纵隔淋巴结清扫站数及个数、中转开胸率、术后并发症、术后胸管引流时间以及术后住院天数,分析不同阶段的手术效果.结果 各组病例在年龄、性别、肿瘤大小、病理分期以及手术方式等方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).A组手术时间(228.0±55.6)min明显长于C组(155.0±33.6)min或D组(152.7±27.4)min(P<0.001),B组手术时间(200.3±67.1)min亦明显长于C组或D组(P<0.05),而C、D两组之间差异无统计学意义(P=0.896);在术中出血量方面,A组(283.3±111.2)ml明显多于C组(156.7±86.3)ml或D组(143.3±67.8)ml(P<0.01),B组(286.7±188.4)ml亦明显多于C组或D组(P<0.01),C、D两组之间差异无统计学意义(P=0.767);各组淋巴结清扫数量、中转开胸率、术后并发症、术后胸管引流时间以及术后住院天数比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 胸腔镜肺叶切除术的学习曲线大约为30例.     

全胸腔镜房间隔室间隔缺损修补手术学习曲线

目的 总结全胸腔镜下心脏手术的学习曲线.方法 回顾性收集2004年10月至2010年1月由同一术者连续完成的125例全胸腔镜下房间隔缺损、室间隔缺损修补手术病例资料,按手术先后顺序分为A、B、C、D、E5组,每组25例,从各组手术时间、体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间、中转开胸率及手术并发症等指标比较手术效果.结果 各组病例年龄、性别、体重、病种及手术方式差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).手术时间、体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间3项指标A、B组明显长于C、D、E组(P＜0.05),A、B两组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),C、D、E3组之间差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05).各组中转开胸率及手术并发症发生率比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 全胸腔镜房间隔、室间隔缺损修补术的学习曲线约为50例.     

腹腔镜辅助胃癌D2根治术并发症的防治

目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助胃癌D2根治术并发症的防治及其临床价值.方法 同顾性分析我院2010年1月至2011年12月分别接受腹腔镜全胃切除胃癌D2根治术(腹腔镜组165例)及开腹全胃切除胃癌D2根治术(开腹组193例)共358例胃癌患者的临床资料.将手术情况、术后恢复情况和并发症进行比较. 结果 腹腔镜组中位手术时间为225( 195～340) min,开腹组为230(195～300) min,两组之间相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);腹腔镜组淋巴结清扫数目为(26±4)枚,开腹组为(27±4)枚,两组之间相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);腹腔镜组中位术中失血量为160(80～600) ml,显著低于开腹组的270(150～600)ml,两组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);腹腔镜组术后平均住院(11.4±2.6)d,显著低于开腹组的(13.7±2.4)d,两组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).腹腔镜组的术后并发症共18例,开腹组共30例,两组之间相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组均无围手术期死亡病例.结论 腹腔镜辅助胃癌D2根治术是安全可行的,并能有效地防治手术的并发症,更能体现创伤小、并发症少、恢复快的特点.     

腹腔镜辅助与开腹远端胃癌D2根治术的治疗效果比较

目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助远端胃癌D2根治术的治疗效果.方法 分析2008年11月至2011年10月行腹腔镜辅助和开腹远端胃癌D2根治术患者的临床资料,其中腹腔镜组61例,开腹组37例作为对照.结果 56例顺利完成腹腔镜手术,5例中转,手术时间:腹腔镜组(178.00±15.51) min,开腹组(147.86±17.41) min;术中出血量:腹腔镜组(138.43±39.67) ml,开腹组(362.86±59.86) ml(P＜0.05);平均切口长度:腹腔镜组(5.12±0.85)cm,开腹组(18.40±1.98) cm;两组在淋巴结清扫数量上差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).开腹组术后发生5例肺部感染,腹腔镜组发生3例肺部感染,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).根据术后病检回报:两组均达到了癌肿的整块切除.规律随访得知所有患者均存活,未发现有远处转移.结论 腹腔镜辅助胃癌D2根治手术可以达到根治和微创的双重效果,其远期疗效有待进一步随访观察.     

腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术的学习曲线研究

目的 分析腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术的学习曲线.方法 回顾性分析我中心2010年1月至2011年11月行腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术患者的手术相关资料.入组标准:①患者的手术目的为改善精液质量；②双侧精索静脉曲张患者；③自同一医师进行的第一例按照标准方法进行的腹腔镜双侧精索静脉高位结扎术为起始患者.按照手术顺序构建手术时间和术中估计失血量曲线.观察手术时间曲线,根据曲线平台期情况,将所有病例分为A、B、C三组,A组12例；B组16例；C组30例.应用Wilcoxon秩和检验分别比较A组与B+C组及B组与C组手术时间的统计学差异.并应用独立样本t检验比较A组与B+C组及B组与C组术中估计失血量的统计学差异.结果 符合入组标准病例58例,无中转开放病例,无术中输血病例.A组12例患者的平均手术时间为96.67±9.85分钟；B组16例患者的平均手术时间为75±10.49分钟；C组30例患者的平均手术时间为64.33±10.23分钟.A组12名患者的手术时间与B组及C组的46例患者的手术时间差异具有统计学意义(P =0.00001)；B组16例患者与C组的30例患者的手术时间差异具有统计学意义(P=0.0001).A、B及C三组患者的平均术中估计失血量分别为12.92±3.96 ml、11.88±5.44 ml及15.67±5.68 ml,三组术中估计失血量数据符合正态分布(P均＞0.05),应用独立样本t检验示三组间术中估计失血量无统计学差异(P＞0.05).结论 腹腔镜精索静脉高位结扎术的学习曲线为12例.     

胸腹腔镜联合与传统食管癌根治术疗效比较

目的 比较胸腹腔镜联合行食管癌根治术与传统手术食管癌根治术的临床疗效.方法 比较70例接受腔镜联合食管癌根治术与80例接受传统手术食管癌根治术患者的一般情况、病理学资料、术后并发症、复发或转移比例等方面的差异.结果 腔镜联合组手术时间长于传统手术组,但术中出血量、术后胸腔引流液总量及术后吗啡用量少于传统手术组(P ＜0.05或P＜0.01).两组术后住院时间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腔镜联合组切除食管标本长度、肿瘤近端切缘长度长于传统手术组,但前者差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),后者差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).两组淋巴结清扫数目及术后并发症和切口种植致局部复发发生率差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腔镜联合组术后反流性胃炎发生率7.1％,传统手术组45.0％,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).两组术后同期复发转移率比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 胸腹腔镜联合食管癌根治术具有与传统开胸癌根治术相同的治疗效果,且创伤小,恢复快.     

经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术的学习曲线研究

目的:评估经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术不同阶段的手术情况和治疗效果,探讨其学习曲线。方法:回顾性分析我院2010年10月—2012年03月由同一组手术医师完成的80例经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术的临床资料,按手术时间先后次序分为A、B、C、D 4组,每组20例,比较各组在手术时间、术中出血量、中转率(增加Trocar或开腹)、并发症、术后住院时间、30 d再入院率等方面的差异,分析不同阶段手术效果。结果:4组患者在年龄、性别、体重指数(BMI)、疾病类型方面无明显差异(P>0.05)。A组平均手术时间(59.2±12.9 min)、术中出血量(19.6±8.0 mL)明显高于B组(46.5±11.2 min,13.5±7.3 mL)、C组(44.3±9.3 min,11.2±5.6 mL)、D组(42.5±8.6 min,10.7±4.4 mL),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。各组在中转率、并发症、术后住院时间、30 d再入院率方面无明显差异(P>0.05)。手术频数由A组的1.5台/月上升到D组的6台/月。结论:经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗胆囊良性疾病安全、可行,随着手术经验的积累,手术时间明显缩短,术中出血量减少,学习曲线约为20例。     

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.     

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.