腹腔镜与同期开腹直肠癌根治术后肿瘤学结果对比研究

目的 评价腹腔镜和同期开腹直肠癌根治术在肿瘤学结果方面的差异.方法 分析南方医院2003年1月至2008年12月期间520例行直肠癌根治术的TNM Ⅰ～Ⅲ期病例的临床随访资料,其中腹腔镜组186例,开腹组334例,对2组术后复发、生存等肿瘤学结果进行比较.结果 腹腔镜组和开腹组基本临床病理特征及辅助治疗情况具有均衡可比性.2组平均随访30.3个月.腹腔镜组与开腹组比较,3年累积生存率为83%比80%,远处转移率为12.5%比15.6%,戳孔/切口癌转移率为0.6%比0,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);局部复发率为4.8%比10.7%,3年累积无病生存率为81%比68%,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05).生存分析显示,累积生存率2组差异无统计学意义(P=0.142),而累积无病生存率腹腔镜组则显著高于开腹组(P=0.010).Ⅰ或Ⅱ期病例中2组局部复发率、远处转移率、累积生存率及累积无病生存率的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);Ⅲ期病例远处转移率、累积生存率差异亦无统计学意义(P>0.05),但Ⅲ期病例腹腔镜组局部复发率显著低于开腹组(6.8%比17.7%,P=0.047),累积无病生存率则显著高于开腹组(P=0.045).结论 腹腔镜直肠癌根治术可以达到甚至优于同期开腹根治术的肿瘤学结果,提示针对直肠癌的腹腔镜外科前瞻性随机对照研究的可行性和必要性.     

腹腔镜与开腹直肠癌根治术的疗效比较

目的探讨腹腔镜直肠癌根治术治疗不同分期直肠癌的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2009年1月~2013年12月我院96例直肠癌根治术的临床资料,TNM分期0~Ⅰ期42例,其中行腹腔镜手术治疗22例(腹腔镜A组),开腹手术治疗20例(开腹A组);TNM分期Ⅱ~Ⅲ期54例,其中行腹腔镜手术治疗20例(腹腔镜B组),开腹手术治疗34例(开腹B组),末次随访截止2015年5月,比较不同分期患者2种术式肿瘤学指标、术后并发症、局部复发率、远处转移率及1、3年生存率。结果与开腹A组相比,腹腔镜A组手术时间明显缩短[(121.7±13.5)min vs.(142.4±23.5)min,t=-3.530,P=0.000],出血量明显减少[(80.9±10.6)ml vs.(136.2±32.6)ml,t=-7.559,P=0.000]。与开腹B组相比,腹腔镜B组出血量明显减少[(110.3±15.3)ml vs.(186.5±22.6)ml,t=-12.202,P=0.000]。与开腹A组相比,腹腔镜A组远端切缘距离明显缩短[(2.3±0.6)cm vs.(3.0±0.7)cm,t=-3.489,P=0.001]。与开腹B组相比,腹腔镜B组淋巴结转移数目明显减少[(2.7±0.4)枚vs.(3.1±0.4)枚,t=-3.298,P=0.002]。腹腔镜B组中转开腹率20%。腹腔镜A组与开腹A组术后局部复发率[9.5%(2/21)vs.5.0%(1/20),χ~2=0.000,P=1.000]、远处转移率[4.8%(1/21)vs.5.0%(1/20),χ~2=0.000,P=1.000]、生存率(log-rankχ~2=0.102,P=0.750)差异无显著性;腹腔镜B组和开腹B组术后局部复发率[6.2%(1/16)vs.6.2%(2/32),χ~2=0.000,P=1.000]、远处转移率[6.2%(1/16)vs.3.1%(1/32),Fisher精确检验,P=1.000]、生存率(log-rankχ~2=0.158,P=0.691)差异无显著性。结论腹腔镜技术在0~Ⅰ期直肠癌根治术中应用有较好的疗效和安全性,Ⅱ~Ⅲ期直肠癌患者的中转开腹率仍然较高,手术安全性存在风险,应严格做好术前评估。     

腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术疗效分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术的疗效.方法 比较2000年9月至2004年12月福建医科大学附属协和医院收治的99例腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术(腹腔镜组)患者和198例开腹结直肠癌根治术(开腹组)患者局部复发及生存情况的差异.两组各随访时间段的局部复发率、生存率计算采用寿命表法,局部复发率及生存率的比较采用Wilcoxon(Gehan)检验或X2检验及Fisher确切概率法,复发间隔时间、生存时间的比较均采用非参数Wilcoxan秩和检验.结果 腹腔镜组2、3年局部复发率均为3.0%,总的局部复发率3.0%(3/99);开腹组2、3年局部复发率分别为2.6%和4.0%,总的局部复发率为3.5%(7/198),两组局部复发率比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.002,P>0.05).两组局部复发的患者中位生存时间分别为15个月(7～24个月)和11个月(2～28个月),差异无统计学意义(U-15.500,P>0.05).两组局部复发的患者1年生存率分别为33.3%和42.9%,2年生存率分别为0和42.9%,差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.120,P>0.05).结论 腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术与开腹结直肠癌根治术有同样的疗效,且安全可行,不会增加肿瘤的复发率.     

进展期胃癌腹腔镜辅助与开腹全胃D2根治术临床疗效的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜辅助全胃D2根治术治疗进展期胃癌的应用价值。方法回顾性分析我科2012年2月~2015年7月83例进展期胃癌行全胃D2根治术的临床资料,其中腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术40例(腔镜组),开腹胃癌根治术43例(开腹组)。比较2组围术期情况、术后病理和术后生存情况。结果腔镜组3例(7.5%)中转开腹。腔镜组手术时间明显长于开腹组[(266.0±36.3)min vs.(226.0±28.5)min,t=5.602,P=0.000],术中出血量明显少于开腹组[(156.2±55.7)ml vs.(261.6±87.2)ml,t=-6.609,P=0.000],术后肠功能恢复时间[(3.1±1.1)d vs.(3.7±1.5)d,t=-2.070,P=0.042]和住院时间[(14.5±3.9)d vs.(16.0±2.6)d,t=-2.135,P=0.036]明显短于开腹组。2组术中输血率差异无显著性[60.0%(24/40)vs.65.1%(28/43),χ~2=0.232,P=0.630]。2组术后并发症发生率差异无显著性[35.0%(14/40)vs.44.2%(19/43),χ~2=0.730,P=0.393]。2组所有病例均为R0切除,淋巴结清扫数目[(24.9±6.0)枚vs.(26.3±5.1)枚,t=-1.163,P=0.248]、淋巴结转移率[85.0%(34/40)vs.86.0%(37/43),χ~2=0.018,P=0.892]、阳性淋巴结数目[(5.8±3.7)枚vs.(6.2±3.1)枚,t=-0.452,P=0.653]、肿瘤TNM分期(χ~2=0.673,P=0.714)均无显著性差异。2组生存率无显著性差异(log-rank检验,χ~2=0.774,P=0.379)。结论与传统开腹手术相比,腹腔镜辅助全胃D2根治术治疗进展期胃癌安全可行,手术创伤小、术后恢复快,且胃周淋巴结清扫效果同开腹手术一致,术后总体生存率不低于开腹手术。     

进展期胃癌腹腔镜辅助D2根治术的临床疗效分析

目的:对比分析腹腔镜辅助与开腹D2根治术在进展期胃癌中的治疗效果。方法:对2012年1月—2013年10月共55例进展期胃癌进行前瞻性研究,采用数字表法,随机分为腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术(腹腔镜组)29例(其中2例中转开腹者被剔除)和开腹胃癌根治术(开腹组)26例,比较两组临床情况、淋巴结清扫数目及术后1年生存率。结果:腹腔镜组手术时间明显长于开腹组[(346±45)min vs.(286±32)min,P=0.038];腹腔镜组在术后肛门排气时间、下床活动时间以及术后住院天数方面均优于开腹组(均P0.05);术中出血量、首次进流食时间两组比较差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。腹腔镜组平均每例清扫淋巴结数目与开腹组相比,差异无统计学意义[(20.6±8.4)枚vs.(21.2±11.0)枚,P=0.825]。随访时间6~35个月,腹腔镜组术后1年生存率(88.0%)与开腹组(84.0%)相比,两组比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.62,P=0.315)。结论:进展期胃癌腹腔镜辅助D2根治术能够达到与开腹手术相当的淋巴结清扫效果,在临床疗效方面具有微创优势。     

腹腔镜辅助括约肌间切除保肛术治疗超低位直肠癌的远期疗效

目的分析腹腔镜辅助括约肌间切除保肛术（ISR）治疗超低位直肠癌的远期疗效,以探讨该术式的可行性。 方法选择2009年1月至2011年12月汕头大学医学院第二附属医院38例施行腹腔镜辅助ISR保肛手术的超低位直肠癌患者为腹腔镜组,32例同期行开腹ISR超低位直肠癌保肛术患者为开腹组,于术后1、3、6、12、24个月时对患者肛门括约肌功能进行评价,随访比较两组患者的手术情况、长期生存及远期疗效。 结果与开腹组比较,腹腔镜组术中出血量较少,住院时间更短（U=4.992,t=4.608,均P<0.001）。随访72（61~96）个月,腹腔镜组术后16~33个月有6例（15.8%）发生局部复发,3例（7.9%）发生远处转移;开腹组中5例（15.6%）发生局部复发,2例（6.3%）发生远处转移,两组局部复发率和远处转移率比较,差异无统计学意义（χ²=0.096、0.071,P=0.985、0.790）,术后病理提示淋巴结有转移的患者,其远处转移发生率明显升高（χ²=6.412,P=0.011）。腹腔镜组患者的5年累积生存率和5年无瘤生存率分别为84.2%和81.6%,开腹组分别为81.3%和78.1%,两组5年累积生存率和5年无瘤生存率比较,差异无统计学意义（χ²=4.167、1.776;P=0.794、0.768）,其中腹腔镜组Ⅲ期患者的5年无瘤生存率明显低于Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期患者（χ²=0.107、0.130;P=0.028、0.041）。两组患者随着病情恢复及康复训练的进行,排便功能逐渐改善,术后肛门功能比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.413）。 结论超低位直肠癌行腹腔镜ISR保肛手术技术上是可行的,远期疗效满意,是一种微创的、可供选择的保肛手术方法。     

手辅助腹腔镜在远端胃癌D2根治术中应用的临床对照研究

目的分析手辅助腹腔镜远端胃癌D2根治术的短期临床效果,总结手辅助腹腔镜远端胃癌D2根治术的技术特点。方法回顾性分析成都军区总医院全军普外中心胃肠外科2010年12月至2013年12月期间完成的手辅助腹腔镜远端胃癌D2根治术(手辅助腹腔镜组)92例和传统开腹远端胃癌D2根治术(开腹组)107例患者的临床资料,比较2组的手术时间、手术切口长度、术中出血量、检获淋巴结枚数、术后住院时间及术后并发症。结果手辅助腹腔镜组和开腹组均无手术切缘癌残留。与开腹组比较,手辅助腹腔镜组的手术切口长度明显缩短(P0.01),术中出血量明显减少(P0.05);但2组手术时间、检获淋巴结枚数和术后住院时间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。手辅助腹腔镜组和开腹组各有1例死亡,均死于不明原因的消化道出血。手辅助腹腔镜组术后共发生并发症9例(9.78%),开腹组术后共发生并发症12例(11.21%),2组术后总并发症发生率比较差异无统计学意义(χ~2=9.04,P0.05)。结论手辅助腹腔镜远端胃癌D2根治术并未明显延长手术时间,且安全、高效,具有一定的微创优势。     

腹腔镜和开腹结肠癌根治术远期疗效分析

目的：评价腹腔镜和开腹结肠癌根治术在远期疗效方面的差异。方法：回顾性分析2003年10月—2009年6月由同一手术组医师实施的183例结肠癌根治术患者的临床资料,根据手术方式的不同分为腹腔镜手术组（n=81）和开腹手术组（n=102）,对2组患者在不同分期下的术后远期并发症、局部复发、远处转移及5年存活率进行比较。结果：2组患者在性别、年龄、病理类型、肿瘤位置等方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。除术后粘连性肠梗阻发生率腹腔镜手术组少于开腹手术组外（Ⅰ/Ⅱ期,7.0%vs22.6%,P=0.036;Ⅲ期,7.9%vs24.5%,P=0.042）,2组患者在切口疝、种植率、局部复发及远处转移方面差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。5年累积存活率比较,Ⅰ/Ⅱ期腹腔镜手术组为77.4%,开腹组为75.7%,差异无统计学意义（P=0.626）;Ⅲ期腹腔镜手术组为71.8%,开腹手术组为65.6%,差异也无统计学意义（P=0.517）。结论：腹腔镜结肠癌根治术远期疗效与开腹手术相似,但术后远期并发症少,值得推广。     

腹腔镜和开腹直肠癌根治术的安全性及远期疗效比较

目的 探讨腹腔镜和开腹直肠癌根治术的安全性及远期疗效的差异.方法 回顾性分析2000年1月至2008年12月福建医科大学附属协和医院收治的602例行直肠癌根治术患者的临床资料.根据手术方式将患者分为腹腔镜组(324例)和开腹组(278例).比较两组患者淋巴结清扫数目、切除肿瘤标本的近端和远端切缘长度、局部复发率、远处转移率、生存率、无瘤生存率等.计数资料采用独立样本t检验,生存率采用寿命表法计算,采用Wilcoxon( Gehan)检验进行比较,复发率和转移率的比较采用x2检验或Fisher确切概率法.结果 腹腔镜组和开腹组平均淋巴结清扫数目分别为(21±8)枚和(21±9)枚,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(t=1.120,P＞0.05)；腹腔镜组和开腹组近端切缘长度分别为(15.1±1.3)cm和(15.0 ±0.8)cm,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(t=1.452,P＞0.05)；远端切缘长度分别为(4.0±1.6)cm和(3.3±1.4)cm,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(t=5.587,P＜0.05).局部总体复发率为5.6％( 34/602),无切口或戳孔种植.腹腔镜组与开腹组局部复发率分别为6.2％( 20/324)和5.0％ (14/278),两组比较,差异无统计学意义(x2=0.363,P＞0.05).总体远处转移率为11.5％ (69/602),腹腔镜组和开腹组远处转移率分别为11.1％ (36/324)和11.9％(33/278),两组比较,差异无统计学意义(x2 =0.085,P＞0.05).腹腔镜组和开腹组3年生存率分别为87.8％和84.9％,5年生存率分别为83.0％和79.3％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组3年无瘤生存率分别为79.4％和79.7％,5年无瘤生存率分别为69.2％和73.1％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).本组随访率为81.2％(489/602),49例患者死亡,其中腹腔镜组20例,开腹组29例.结论 腹腔镜直肠癌根治术不仅在肿瘤学安全性上是可靠的,而且可以达到和传统开腹手术同样的远期疗效.     

腹腔镜与开腹结肠癌根治术后短期疗效分析

目的分析对比腹腔镜手术与开腹手术治疗结肠癌患者术后3年的生存情况,为结肠癌的腹腔镜治疗提供数据支持。方法对笔者所在科室经腹腔镜治疗的217例患者和开腹手术治疗的193例患者进行随访,对比分析其局部复发、远处转移、穿刺孔和手术切口种植转移以及生存率情况。结果腹腔镜手术组患者术后3年的无病生存率为86.2%(187/217),总生存率为91.2%(198/217),开腹手术组的3年无病生存率为85.5%(165/193),总生存率为92.7%(179/193),2组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组患者的局部复发、远处转移、穿刺孔和手术切口种植转移结果差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论腹腔镜手术治疗结肠癌的局部复发、远处转移、种植转移和总生存率均与开腹手术相似,说明腹腔镜手术具有良好的安全性和根治性。     

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.