胸腔镜与开胸前方松解在脊柱侧凸后路矫形中的作用

目的比较胸腔镜与开胸前方松解对脊柱侧凸后路矫形的作用,评估胸腔镜脊柱侧凸前方松解手术的临床效果。方法2001年11月～2002年9月共施行14例胸腔镜脊柱侧凸前方松解手术和22例开胸前方松解手术,所有病例均为特发性脊柱侧凸。胸腔镜组男1例,女13例;平均年龄15.9岁;其中KingⅡ型9例,KingⅢ型5例;Cobb角88°±10.4°,柔软度(Bending片侧凸矫正率)25.5%±6.1%;松解节段5.8±0.9个。开胸组男5例,女17例;平均年龄15.5岁;其中KingⅡ型13例,KingⅢ型9例;Cobb角90°±15.2°,柔软度24.8%±7.8%;松解节段6.0±1.1个。两组患者均于前方松解后2周行后路TSRH矫形手术。对两组的术后侧凸矫正率以及半年后的矫正丢失率进行比较。结果胸腔镜组术后Cobb角39.6°±10.8°,侧凸矫正率54.7%±10.3%,半年后矫正丢失率2.9%±1.1%;开胸组术后Cobb角41.9°±13.2°,侧凸矫正率53.2%±12.5%,半年后矫正丢失率3.2%±1.3%。两组比较差异均无显著性(P >0.05)。结论胸腔镜脊柱侧凸前方松解手术能达到开胸前方松解手术的临床效果。     

胸腔镜辅助下治疗特发性脊柱侧凸

[目的]评价胸腔镜下前路松解,前路或后路矫形治疗特发性脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。[方法]回顾本院自2003年7月~2005年12月施行的11例胸腔镜辅助下前路松解,前路或后路矫形治疗特发性脊柱侧凸病例。年龄12~16岁,平均14.6岁。LenkeⅠ型9例,术前冠状面Cobb s角54°~68°,平均59.7°;LenkeⅢ型2例,术前冠状面Cobb s角分别为58°和71°,平均64.5°。Bending X线片侧凸矫正率为21.8%~32.4%,平均26.4%。对11例患者在胸腔镜辅助下,采用等离子冷消融切除椎间盘松解,前或后路矫正。对手术后及随访时,冠状面和矢状面的Cobb s角进行测量,并对手术时间,术中出血量,围手术期并发症及矫正丢失等进行分析。[结果]平均手术时间290 min,平均术中出血171 ml。松解节段5~7个,平均4.4个。9例LenkeⅠ型术后Cobb s角平均20.4°,Cobb s角矫正率平均65.8%;2例LenkeⅢ型术后Cobb s角分别为20°和25°,Cobb s角矫正率平均65.1%;1例术后包裹性胸腔积液,术后平均随访18.6个月;1例出现矫正度丢失14°,无神经系统及血管损伤并发症。[结论]与传统开胸前路胸椎侧凸矫形手术相比,胸腔镜辅助下胸椎松解前后路矫形治疗脊柱侧凸是安全有效的微创手术,可达到与开胸手术同样效果。     

胸腔镜下前路矫形术治疗特发性胸椎侧凸的初步临床结果

目的总结胸腔镜下前路矫形术治疗特发性胸椎侧凸的临床应用初步结果,并分析其适应证的选择与疗效。方法2002年6月～2003年5月共施行胸腔镜下前路胸椎侧凸矫形术8例,均为女性特发性右侧胸椎侧凸患者,年龄13～16岁,平均14.8岁。术前冠状面Cobb角40°～72°,平均54°。例为KingⅢ型,2例为KingⅡ型,1例为KingⅤ型。Risser征( )～( )。胸弯在Bending相X线片上的自动矫正率为60%～75%。胸椎矢状面形态正常,无明显后凸和前凸畸形。对8例患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、固定节段、矫正效果以及近期的矫正丢失等进行分析。结果平均手术时间为6.0h,平均术中出血量为629ml,平均术后引流量为500ml,平均固定节段7.4个,术后Cobb角平均15°,Cobb角矫正率平均74%。全部病例随访3～12个月,平均6.5个月。平均矫正丢失率为8.3%,但尚无内固定并发症发生。结论与传统开放前路或后路胸椎侧凸矫形手术相比,胸腔镜下前路矫形术同样能使特发性胸椎侧凸获得满意的早期矫形效果;但该术式存在手术时间长、难度大、适应证相对较窄、术者过量接受X线等缺点,其远期效果和并发症的评估尚待长期随访。     

胸腔镜下前路松解联合后路矫形治疗脊柱畸形

目的:评价胸腔镜下前路松解联合后路矫形对脊柱畸形的治疗效果。方法:回顾性分析我院收治的19例脊柱畸形行胸腔镜辅助前路松解及后路脊柱畸形矫形植骨融合术患者的临床资料及治疗结果。结果:胸腔镜手术时间平均120min,前路松解、阻滞椎间盘平均4.2个。术后14例特发性脊柱侧凸Cobb角平均被纠正到29.4°,4例神经纤维瘤病性脊柱侧凸Cobb角平均被纠正到28°,1例胸椎后凸Cobb角被纠正到58.5°。术后平均随访17.5个月,无矫正度的丢失和其它神经系统及血管损伤并发症。结论:胸腔镜辅助前路脊柱松解是安全、有效的微创手术,联合后路矫形治疗脊柱畸形可获得满意治疗效果。     

特发性胸椎侧凸胸腔镜下前路矫形与开放小切口前路矫形的疗效比较

目的对特发性胸椎侧凸胸腔镜下前路矫形与开放小切口前路矫形的近期疗效进行比较。方法将23例特发性胸椎右侧凸患者分为两组,A组行胸腔镜下胸椎侧凸前路Eclipse矫形术,共8例,均为女性,平均年龄148岁,平均Cobb角54°,Risser征 ～ 。B组行开放小切口前路CDHTSRH矫形手术,共15例,男2例,女13例,平均年龄138岁,Cobb角平均57°,Risser征 ～ 。对两组病例的手术时间、术中出血量、固定节段、术后引流量、矫正效果以及早期矫正丢失等进行分析。结果两组患者在年龄、Cobb角、侧凸柔软性和固定节段等方面均具有可比性。A组平均手术时间(360±72)min,术中平均出血量(629±145)ml,术后平均引流量(500±150)ml,平均固定节段(74±11)个,平均Cobb角矫正率(74±14)%,经6～18个月随访,近期矫正丢失率(86±27)%。B组平均手术时间(246±64)min,术中平均出血量(300±110)ml,术后平均引流量(210±90)ml,平均固定节段(78±09)个,平均Cobb角矫正率(70±12)%,近期矫正丢失率(46±19)%。A组与B组相比,侧凸矫正率相似(P>005),但手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量,以及早期矫正丢失率等存在显著差异(P<005)。结论胸腔镜下胸椎侧凸前路矫形手术和开放小切口前路矫形手术具有各自的适应证和优缺点。对于青少年特发性胸椎侧凸     

青少年特发性胸椎侧凸胸腔镜辅助前路矫形的疗效

目的 介绍特发性胸椎侧凸胸腔镜辅助小切口前路矫形手术的技术要点和手术适应证选择,并对其临床结果进行分析.方法 2001年7月至2006年1月共进行胸椎侧凸小切口前路矫形手术37例,男4例,女33例,平均年龄14.1岁,冠状面Cobb角平均56°,Lenke分型Ⅰ A 14例,Ⅰ B14例,Ⅰ C 9例,均为胸椎右侧凸,Risser征++～++++,对手术时间、术中出血量、固定节段、矫正效果以及矫正丢失等进行分析.结果 平均手术时间220 min,术中出血量平均320 ml,平均固定节段7.8个,术后Cobb角平均16.8°,平均侧凸矫正率70%,随访18～36个月,平均矫正丢失4.6%,无内固定并发症发生.结论 胸椎侧凸前路胸腔镜辅助小切口矫形手术在减少手术创伤、降低麻醉要求、相对胸腔镜手术更为宽松的适应证选择基础上,可以达到传统开胸前路矫形或后路矫形手术的临床效果、且没有增加手术并发症.     

马凡综合征合并脊柱侧凸的手术矫治

目的评价脊柱后路矫形内固定植骨融合术治疗马凡综合征合并脊柱侧凸的治疗效果。方法马凡综合征合并脊柱侧凸患者12例,进行脊柱后路矫形内固定植骨融合术,术前脊柱侧凸主弯Cobb角62°~90°(71°±6°)。结果手术时间3.4~4.8(4.2±0.4)h,出血量550~920(690±117)m l。全部患者均获随访,时间0.9~4.8年,未发生神经及其它系统并发症。术后主弯Cobb角24°~37°(29°±3°),矫正率51%~65%(59%±4%),植骨全部融合,无假关节形成及断钉、脱钩发生。结论脊柱后路矫形内固定植骨融合术治疗马凡综合征合并脊柱侧凸,对侧凸矫形疗效满意。     

King Ⅲ型特发性脊柱侧凸经胸侧前方椎体三维矫形术

[目的]探讨King Ⅲ型特发性脊柱侧凸经胸侧前方椎体三维矫形术的治疗效果。[方法]回顾本院2003年9月-2005年9月应用TSRH、CDH-M。等矫形器械对12例青少年King Ⅲ型特发性脊柱侧凸患者经凸侧胸腔于椎体侧前方行椎间松解、椎体三维矫形、植骨融合内固定术的临床资料，分析评价其手术并发症、侧凸矫正率及随访结果。[结果]术后出现肺部并发症2例，1例肺不张，1例呼吸道梗阻。经气管插管和呼吸机辅助呼吸后缓解。所有病例均未出现大血管损伤、脊髓损伤、肺炎和乳糜胸等并发症。术前胸椎Cobb’s角48^o～66^o，平均52．6^o。术后胸椎残余Cobb，s角平均15.2^o，矫正率77．8％。随访12～36个月，平均18．5个月。12例患者均获得了较好的节段性骨融合，矫正率无明显丢失，未发现假关节、内固定松动或断裂、失代偿等并发症。[结论]经胸椎体侧前方二维矫形手术是治疗King Ⅲ型特发性脊柱侧凸畸形的一种较安全、有效的内固定方式。     

胸腔镜下前路矫形治疗青少年特发性胸椎侧凸

目的探讨胸腔镜下前路矫形治疗青少年特发性胸椎侧凸的疗效。方法青少年特发性胸椎侧凸33例,男7例,女26例;年龄10～18岁,平均13.6岁。Lenke分型均为Ⅰ型,其中24例为ⅠA型,9例为ⅠB型。术前Cobb角:冠状面原发性胸弯平均57.4°(43°～68°),代偿性腰弯平均32.0°(20°～47°);27例存在胸椎后凸不足畸形,胸椎后凸平均6.3°(0°～18°)。手术方法为前路胸腔镜下切除椎间盘进行松解,应用CDHorizonEclipse矫形内固定,同时在椎间隙植骨。随访期间测量冠状面Cobb角及矢状面胸椎后凸成角,了解冠状面和矢状面畸形矫正情况。结果固定节段包括T4～T12,平均7.4个。平均手术时间为3h48min,平均术中出血量为308ml,平均住院时间4.4d。全部病例随访6～36个月,平均20.6个月。末次随访时原发性胸弯平均矫正60.2%,代偿性腰弯自然矫正平均50.3%,胸椎后凸平均矫正20.4°。1例出现假关节形成及内固定折断,2例出现胸壁麻木。结论胸腔镜下前路矫形治疗胸椎侧凸具有创伤小、术后恢复快等优点,能达到与开胸前路矫形术同样的矫形效果。     

后路松解胸椎间隙联合楔形截骨治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧后凸

目的 评价经后路胸膜外松解胸椎间隙联合顶椎区楔形截骨结合椎弓根螺钉内固定矫正术治疗重度僵硬性脊柱侧后凸畸形的安全性和早期临床效果.方法 2004年3月至2007年6月,对14例重度僵硬性脊柱侧后凸患者行手术治疗.男6例,女8例;年龄15-31岁,平均22.1岁.其巾特发性7例,先天性6例,神经纤维瘤病l例.术前侧凸Cobb角81°～139°,平均111.2°;后凸57°～165°,平均85.8°.所有患者均行一期经后路胸膜外松解椎间隙联合顶椎区楔形截骨,经椎弓根螺钉内固定矫止及植骨融合术.结果 平均松解椎间隙5.1个,椎体截骨平均2.3个,手术时问7.2～14.1 h,平均9.2 h.术中出血量1500～6100 ml,平均3970 ml.无神经损伤,2例术中胸膜破裂,1例术后并发肠系膜上动脉综合征.所有患者经过7～31个月随访,平均12.7个月,术后侧凸Cobb角15°～71°,平均31.3°,矫正率71.9%;后凸22°～48°,平均34.9°,矫正率59.3%.结论 经后路胸膜外松解胸椎间隙节省了前路经胸的于术时间,创伤小,对心肺干扰小,降低了风险,改善了脊柱柔韧性.顶椎区凸侧三柱楔形截骨,依靠凹侧保留的椎间纤维环、黄韧带及肋椎关节作为稳定铰链,手术较伞脊椎切除术简便、安全.对重度僵硬性弧形脊柱侧后凸用单一的截骨术难以达到三维矫正,后路椎间隙松解联合顶椎区楔形截骨结合椎弓根螺钉内崮定矫正能获得良好的脊柱三维矫正.     

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.     

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.