罗派卡因和布比卡因用于腰-硬联合麻醉的临床效果观察

目的观察下肢手术中罗派卡因和布比卡因在腰-硬联合麻醉的临床效果。方法将60例接受腰-硬联合麻醉的下肢手术患者分为R组与B组,各30例。R组使用罗哌卡因,B组使用布比卡因。记录2组的麻醉效果、血流动力学及血氧饱和度变化。结果注药后5 min,2组的SBP、DBP、HR均较注药前显著下降(P<0.01);B组的SBP、DBP、HR较R组显著下降(P<0.01)。2组感觉阻滞起效时间、血氧饱和度差异无统计学意义,P=0.082。R组的运动阻滞起效时间显著长于B组,P=0.0056。R组的Bromage评分显著低于B组,P=0.000。R组的恢复时间显著短于B组,P=0.000。结论罗派卡因和布比卡因用于腰-硬联合麻醉均具有安全有效性     

不同小剂量低浓度罗哌卡因用于老年患者腰-硬联合麻醉的研究

目的 观察不同小剂量罗哌卡因用于老年患者腰-硬联合麻醉对下肢手术的可行性.方法 择期下肢手术的老年患者120例,随机分为三组,每组40例.A组:0.5%罗哌卡因5～7.5mg+10%葡萄糖0.5ml;B组:0.75%罗哌卡因5～7.5mg +10%葡萄糖0.5ml;C组:0.75%罗哌卡因8～10mg+10%葡萄糖0.5ml.观察感觉阻滞、运动阻滞起效时间和最高时间,最高麻醉阻滞平面,痛觉及运动阻滞维持时间,不良反应及血流动力学等.Bromage法评定运动神经阻滞程度.连续监测SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2、ECG.结果 随着罗哌卡因浓度剂量的降低,感觉、运动阻滞起效时间和最大阻滞时间延长,维持时间缩短;与C组比较,A、B组感觉、运动阻滞起效时间、最大时间、维持时间差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05),A与B组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).三组运动阻滞的Bromage评分组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).术中低血压使用麻黄碱A组为0,B、C组均使用麻黄碱,但这两组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),三组均未发生呕吐、头痛和神经系统症状.结论 0.5%罗哌卡因5～7.5mg+10%葡萄糖0.5ml配方可安全应用于蛛网膜下腔阻滞,适应于老年患者下肢手术,是一种较安全有效的麻醉方法.     

不同浓度罗比卡因腰丛联合坐骨神经阻滞用于膝关节镜手术的比较

目的观察一定剂量的罗比卡因配成不同浓度溶液用于腰丛联合坐骨神经阻滞在膝关节镜手术的麻醉效果比较.方法40例拟行单侧膝关节镜手术患者随机分为A、B两组,每组20例,均在神经刺激仪定位下行腰丛联合坐骨神经阻滞,在腰丛神经和坐骨神经处均分别注入罗比卡因150 mg.A组将150 mg罗比卡因稀释到20 ml使用,即浓度为0.75%;B组稀释到30 ml,即浓度为0.5%.观察患者感觉和运动阻滞起效时间及维持时间,以及麻醉满意程度.结果两组患者感觉阻滞维持时间差异无显著性（P＞0.05）,感觉及运动阻滞起效时间A组比B组明显缩短（P＜0.05）,而运动阻滞维持时间A组明显延长（P＜0.05）,麻醉满意度B组明显优于A组（P＜0.05）.结论A组麻醉比B组起效快,但只运动阻滞时间明显延长,且麻醉满意度较差.所以在相同剂量的情况下,用0.5%的罗比卡因比用0.75%的罗比卡因行腰丛联合坐骨神经阻滞更适合于膝关节镜手术.     

小剂量左旋布比卡因复合芬太尼腰麻-硬膜外联合麻醉用于经尿道前列腺电切术的观察

目的评价小剂量左旋布比卡因复合芬太尼椎管内联合麻醉在老年患者经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP)中的麻醉效果及其副作用。方法选择行TURP男性患者40例,年龄60~83岁,随机分为两组:A组,左旋布比卡因5mg加芬太尼25μg与10%葡萄糖水配成2.5ml溶液,20例;B组,左旋布比卡因7.5mg与10%葡萄糖水配成2.5ml溶液,20例。实施腰麻-硬膜外联合麻醉。观察并记录:感觉阻滞最高平面,到达感觉阻滞最高平面时间,改良Bromage评分法判断运动神经阻滞程度,运动神经阻滞消退时间,血压与心率变化以及恶心、呕吐、寒战、皮肤瘙痒、呼吸抑制等副作用。结果所有患者麻醉镇痛完善。B组低血压和寒战的发生率显著高于A组(P<0.01);B组运动神经阻滞评分与阻滞持续时间显著高于A组(P<0.01)。结论小剂量左旋布比卡因复合芬太尼腰麻-硬膜外联合麻醉能完全满足老年患者TURP的麻醉要求,且副作用明显减少。     

不同比重罗哌卡因腰麻在妇产科手术中的应用比较

目的 :探讨不同比重 1 0mg罗哌卡因用于妇科手术的麻醉效果和并发症发生率 ,并与布比卡因比较。方法 :37例妇科择期手术病人 ,年龄 2 2～ 6 0岁 ,体重 50～ 70kg ,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级 ,随机分为 3组 :R1组 (罗哌卡因重比重液组 ) :罗哌卡因 1 0mg + 5%葡萄糖 1ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 2 .5ml重比重液 ;R2 组 (罗哌卡因轻比重液组 ) :罗哌卡因 1 0mg +注射用水 3.5ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 5ml轻比重液 ;B组 (布比卡因重比重液组 ) :布比卡因 7.5mg + 5%葡萄糖 1ml+麻黄素 1 5mg共 2 .5ml重比重液。采用腰麻 -硬膜外联合穿刺 ,成功后将不同局麻药在 30s内注入蛛网膜下腔。观察麻醉起效时间、最高麻醉平面及到达时间、运动阻滞分级、术中镇痛肌松情况 ,麻醉消退时间及术中低血压、恶心、呕吐、术后头痛发生率。对给药后 2 0min平面不足T10 者硬膜外追加 0 .5%罗哌卡因和 1 %利多卡因以满足手术要求。结果 :麻醉起效时间、最高麻醉平面及到达时间组间比较无差异 ,但R2 组显示单边阻滞者多于R1组和B组 ,且需辅以硬膜外给药例数多于R1和B组 ;手术开始时间R1组 ( 1 2min)早于R2 组 ( 1 7.8min)和B组 ( 1 5min) ;术中镇痛、肌松效果 ,单纯蛛网膜下腔阻滞比较 ,R1组与B组相同 ,R2 组镇痛完善例数明显低于R1组和B组 ,辅助硬膜外给药     

0.75%罗比卡因与0.75%布比卡因腰麻—硬膜外联合麻醉应用于剖宫产手术的评价

目的比较0.75%罗哌卡因与0.75%布比卡因腰麻硬膜外联合麻醉用于剖宫产手术的可行性.方法ASAⅠ～Ⅱ级初产妇40例于腰硬联合麻醉下行剖宫产手术,随机、双盲分两组R组(n=20)腰麻用药为0.75%罗哌卡因1.2～1.4ml(9～10.5mg);B组(n=20)腰麻用药为0.75%布比卡因,剂量同R组.术中两组麻醉效应不足时经硬膜外导管补充1.6%利多卡因.术中连续监测呼吸和循环状况,评估麻醉效应,并观察围术期不良反应的发生及新生儿情况.结果两组最高阻滞平面及达到时间相似(P＞0.05),但R组感觉和运动神经阻滞起效慢,维持时间短(P＜0.05);下肢运动阻滞程度R组显著低于B组(P＜0.01);术中R组有4例(20%)发生心动过缓,B组5例(25%)出现主观气促感;新生儿Apgar评分及脐动脉血气值在正常范围内,两组比较无差异(P＞0.05).结论0.75%罗哌卡因用于硬腰联合麻醉剖腹产手术安全有效,与0.75%布比卡因相比,下肢运动阻滞弱且恢复迅速.     

O.75%罗比卡因与O.75%布比卡因腰麻-硬膜外联合麻醉应用于剖宫产手术的评价

目的比较0.75%罗哌卡因与0.75%布比卡因腰麻硬膜外联合麻醉用于剖宫产手术的可行性.方法ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级初产妇40例于腰硬联合麻醉下行剖宫产手术,随机、双盲分两组:R组(n=20)腰麻用药为0.75%罗哌卡因1.2～1.4ml(9～10.5mg);B组(n=20)腰麻用药为0.75%布比卡因,剂量同R组.术中两组麻醉效应不足时经硬膜外导管补充1.6%利多卡因.术中连续监测呼吸和循环状况,评估麻醉效应,并观察围术期不良反应的发生及新生儿情况.结果两组最高阻滞平面及达到时间相似(P＞0.05),但R组感觉和运动神经阻滞起效慢,维持时间短(P＜0.05);下肢运动阻滞程度R组显著低于B组(P＜0.01);术中R组有4例(20%)发生心动过缓,B组5例(25%)出现主观气促感;新生儿Apgar评分及脐动脉血气值在正常范围内,两组比较无差异(P＞0.05).结论0.75%罗哌卡因用于硬腰联合麻醉剖腹产手术安全有效,与0.75%布比卡因相比,下肢运动阻滞弱且恢复迅速.     

不同剂量等比重罗哌卡因对老年患者腰麻阻滞平面的影响

目的 观察不同剂量0.5%等比重罗哌卡因用于老年患者腰麻对阻滞平面的影响.方法 65岁以上经尿道前列腺电切术患者160例随机分为四组,每组40例.A、B、C、D四组蛛网膜下腔分别注入0.5%等比重罗哌卡因7.5、10、12.5、15 mg.用针刺法测定感觉阻滞平面,用改良Bromage法评估下肢运动阻滞程度,比较四组患者的感觉和运动阻滞效果.结果 最高阻滞平面:D组＞C组＞B组＞A组.D组阻滞平面固定时间显著长于A组(P＜0.05).A、B组感觉阻滞消退时间短于C、D组(P＜0.01).结论 0.5%等比重罗哌卡因腰麻时局麻药剂量越大阻滞平面越高.老年患者经尿道前列腺电切术选择0.5%罗哌卡因10～12.5 mg为宜.     

轻比重罗哌卡因连续腰麻在老年前列腺电切及股骨头置换术中的应用

目的探讨轻比重罗哌卡因连续腰麻用于老年病人前列腺气化电切和人工关节置换术的药量与疗效的关系。方法选择60~98岁前列腺气化电切和人工关节置换术病人150例,随机均分为三组,采用24G导管针于L3~4椎间隙穿刺蛛网膜下腔置管2.5~3 cm。三组依次应用0.3%、0.4%、0.5%罗哌卡因(1.001~1.002)轻比重腰麻液1.2~1.5 ml,观察疼痛起效时间,运动阻滞起效时间,痛觉阻滞平面,麻醉持续时间,运动阻滞程度,痛觉及运动恢复时间、阻滞完全病人比例及用药后的不良反应。结果三组镇痛起效时间,痛觉阻滞平面,完全阻滞病人比例差异无统计学意义。运动阻滞起效时间,Ⅲ组比Ⅰ组短(P<0.01),麻醉持续时间改良Bromage评分、痛觉和运动恢复时间Ⅲ组>Ⅱ组>Ⅰ组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论0.45罗哌卡因4.8~6 mg腰麻用于老年前列腺气化电切和股骨头置换可达到完善的镇痛效果,对呼吸、循环干扰不,较为安全。     

轻比重罗哌卡因单侧腰麻联合硬膜外麻醉用于高龄髋关节置换术中的镇痛效果

目的 观察不同剂量轻比重罗哌卡因单侧腰麻联合硬膜外麻醉用于高龄髋关节置换术患者的临床效果及对循环呼吸功能的影响.方法 选择70岁以上行人工髋关节置换术的患者90例,随机分为A、B、C 3组,每组30例.以0.1ml·s-1速度注入腰麻药(A组为轻比重0.5%罗哌卡因1.0ml,B组为轻比重0.5%罗哌卡因1.2ml,C组为轻比重0.5%罗哌卡因1.5ml).记录感觉阻滞起效时间、运动阻滞起效时间、最高阻滞平面、麻醉维持时间、感觉及运动恢复时间,用Bromage法评定下肢运动神经阻滞程度,并观察术中用药情况及不良反应.结果 3组患者在感觉阻滞起效时间、最高阻滞平面方面相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),A、B组的运动阻滞起效时间与C组相比显著延长(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).麻醉持续时间,感觉及运动恢复时间:C组＞B组＞A组(P＜0.05)或(P＜0.01).A组Bromage由3分恢复至0分时间和Bromage分级达3分者人数均低于B组、C组(P＜0.05).A组有3例10%需硬膜外给药.结论 轻比重0.5%罗哌卡因1.2ml(6mg)腰麻用于高龄髋关节置换术可达到完善的镇痛效果,不改变麻醉体位,对呼吸、循环干扰小,安全性高.     

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.     

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.     

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.