腹腔镜与开腹阑尾切除术治疗穿孔性阑尾炎的比较

目的 对比分析腹腔镜与开腹阑尾切除术在治疗穿孔性阑尾炎中的手术效果. 方法 回顾性分析比较我院2002年1月～2005年12月20例腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy, LA)和20例(open appendectomy,OA)的穿孔性阑尾炎手术的临床资料. 结果 LA组手术时间(75.8±11.6)min明显长于OA组(54.8±9.5)min(t=6.264,P=0.000).LA组术后进食时间(1.8±0.5)d明显短于OA组(2.6±0.5)d(t=-5.060,P=0.000).LA组术后抗生素使用时间(3.8±0.7)d显著短于OA组(6.3±1.2)d(t=-8.048,P=0.000).LA组住院时间(5.8±1.1)d显著短于OA组(11.6±1.6)d(t=-13.359,P=0.000).术后切口感染并发症发生率LA组(0/20)与OA组(3/20)无显著差异(Fisher确切概率法,P＝0.115). 结论 LA治疗穿孔性阑尾炎较OA具有创伤小、恢复快、住院时间短、抗生素用量少等特点,可作为穿孔性阑尾炎一种安全、有效的治疗方法.     

急性阑尾炎腹腔镜与开腹手术的对比分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)治疗急性阑尾炎的价值.方法 比较2008年5月～2010年5月95例急性阑尾炎行腹腔镜阑尾切除术(LA组)与87例行开腹阑尾切除术(OA组)的临床资料.结果 LA组93例手术成功,2例中转开腹:1例因阑尾粘连严重,分离困难;l例为阑尾根部坏疽穿孔,切除困难.术后切口感染1例,无腹腔残余脓肿、粘连性肠梗阻,并发症发生率为1.1％ (1/93).OA组切口感染6例(6.9％),腹腔残余脓肿4例(4.6％),粘连性肠梗阻4例(4.6％),并发症发生率为16.1％ (14/87),显著高于LA组(x2=13.269,P=0.000).LA组和OA组手术时间分别为(45.2±10.7)min和(42.5±12.3)min,无统计学差异(t=1.574,P=0.117);LA组术后排气时间(22.7±6.3)h,显著短于OA组(36.4±9.1)h(t=11.807,P=0.000);LA组住院时间(3.8±1.6)d,显著短于OA组(7.4±3.1)d有统计学差异(t=9.881,P=0.000);LA组术后镇痛剂使用率3.2％(3/93),显著低于OA组18.4％ (16/87)(x2=10.949,P =0.001).结论 与0A比较,LA具有疼痛轻、恢复快、住院时间短、并发症少等优点.     

小儿腹腔镜阑尾切除术的临床评价

目的评价小儿腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy, LA)的效果. 方法对比分析LA组(n=89)和开腹阑尾切除术(open appendectomy,OA)组(n=90)的手术效果、住院时间、费用支出和患者满意程度. 结果 LA组较OA组手术时间显著延长 [(57±2) min vs.(43±1) min,t=6.282, P=0.000],总医疗费用显著降低[(15 291±499)元vs. (17 442±544)元,t=-2.912,P=0.004],住院时间显著缩短[(2.9±0.2) d vs.(3.6±0.2) d, t=-2.475,P=0.014],两组手术并发症发生率和病人满意度调查无明显差别(χ2=0.119,P＝0.730;χ2=0.435,P＝0.509). 结论两种术式同样有效,LA不增加医疗费用,LA微创特点和探查腹腔更具优越性,提倡用于小儿阑尾炎.     

小儿腹腔镜阑尾切除术与传统阑尾切除术创伤反应的对比研究

目的比较腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)和传统阑尾切除术(open appendectomy,OA)治疗小儿阑尾炎创伤反应的差异。方法从2002年5月至2004年2月收治160例小儿阑尾炎,其中行LA69例,OA91例,术前和术后12h采血,应用酶链免疫吸附试验测定血清白介素6(IL-6)和C反应蛋白(CRP)水平。结果手术时间:LA组(33±15)min比OA组(45±9)min短(t=6·40,P<0·01);住院时间:LA组(4·3±1·5)d比OA组(6·6±1·2)d短(t=10·91,P<0·01)。术后切口感染:LA组1例(1·5%),OA组10例(11·0%),两者之间差异有统计学意义(χ2=4·19,P<0·05)。OA组IL-6术后较术前升高值明显高于LA组[(60±20)pg/ml比(28±8)pg/ml,P<0·01]。CPR在OA组术后升高值亦明显高于LA组[(83±11mg/L比(24±6)mg/L,P<0·01]。结论LA治疗小儿阑尾炎较OA手术时间短、创伤小、恢复快、并发症少。     

腹腔镜与开腹子宫肌瘤剔除术的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜下子宫肌瘤剔除术的临床应用价值。方法对2002年12月~2005年2月腹腔镜(n=185)与开腹(n=69)子宫肌瘤剔除术2组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后体温恢复正常时间、肠功能恢复时间和住院日等进行对比分析。结果腹腔镜组2例因止血困难中转开腹。腹腔镜组手术时间(81.3±14.7)m in,与开腹组的(77.2±18.1)m in无显著差异(t=1.849,P=0.066);腹腔镜组术中出血量(101.5±36.7)m l,少于开腹组的(154.5±61.1)m l(t=-8.397,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后肠功能恢复时间(13.8±5.4)h,短于开腹组的(23.3±6.0)h(t=-12.074,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后体温恢复正常时间(2.7±0.8)d,短于开腹组的(3.8±1.0)d(t=-9.064,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后住院时间(6.0±1.5)d,短于开腹组的(8.0±2.0)d(t=-8.575,P=0.000)。腹腔镜组152例随访(13.2±8.7)月,复发17例(11.2%),57例不孕者中术后1年内妊娠17例(29.8%);开腹组48例随访(12.5±7.9)月(t=0.511,P=0.610),复发8例(16.7%)(2χ=1.003,P=0.317),不孕16例中术后1年4例妊娠(25.0%)(2χ=0.004,P=0.949),均无显著差异。结论腹腔镜下子宫肌瘤剔除术具有创伤小,术中出血少,术后恢复快及住院时间短等优点,但有一定手术适应证,不能完全取代开腹手术。     

腹腔镜与开腹全子宫切除术的临床效果比较

目的比较腹腔镜全子宫切除术(total laparoscopic hysterectomy,TLH)与开腹全子宫切除术的临床效果。方法对我院2004年3月～2006年5月有全子宫切除指征的TLH100例(腹腔镜组)和TAH100例(开腹组)的临床资料进行回顾分析,比较2种术式的手术时间、术中出血量、排气时间、住院时间、术后疼痛剂使用等情况。结果腹腔镜组排气时间(34.9±12.6)h显著短于开腹组的(52.6±11.7)h(t=-10.294,P=0.000);腹腔镜组住院时间(4.5±1.2)d显著短于开腹组(6.3±1.2)d(t=-10.607,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后镇痛5例,显著少于开腹组58例(χ2=38.752,P=0.000)。2组在术中出血量和手术时间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。腹腔镜组1例输尿管阴道瘘;开腹组1例膀胱损伤,6例切口脂肪液化,2组手术并发症发生率无统计学差异(χ2=3.255,P=0.071)。结论TLH具有创伤小、腹腔内环境干扰小、恢复快等优点。     

腹腔镜阑尾切除术与开腹手术的对比研究

目的探讨阑尾炎的合理手术方式。方法回顾性分析2011年1月~2013年10月400例阑尾切除术的临床资料,其中216例行开腹阑尾切除术(open appendectomy,OA),184例行腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA),比较2组手术时间、肠道恢复时间、术后住院时间、并发症发生率、术后疼痛评分、住院费用。结果 2组手术时间无统计学差异[(67.2±28.5)min vs.(70.1±31.2)min,t=-0.971,P=0.332];LA组术后排气时间明显早于OA组[(2.5±0.7)d vs.(2.3±1.0)d,t=2.342,P=0.020];术后住院时间(5.4±0.8)d,显著短于OA组(8.8±1.2)d(t=32.731,P=0.000),但LA组住院费用(7834.6±381.7)元,明显高于OA组(5676.5±634.2)元(t=-34.466,P=0.000)。术后疼痛评分LA组(7.2±1.5)分,明显低于OA组(7.5±0.3)分(t=2.873,P=0.004)。OA组单纯性阑尾炎患者术后1例发生切口感染,LA组未发生,2组无统计学差异(Fisher’s检验,P=1.000);OA组化脓、穿孔及坏疽性阑尾炎患者术后12例发生切口感染,LA组5例,2组无统计学差异(χ2=2.288,P=0.130)。术后残余脓肿2组各1例,无统计学差异(Fisher’s检验,P=1.000)。OA组术后炎性肠梗阻3例,LA组4例,2组无统计学差异(χ2=0.356,P=0.551)。400例术后随访0.5~3年,平均1.8年。OA组4例半年后出现肠粘连症状(经CT诊断证实),保守治疗缓解出院;1例切口感染者术后第8个月出现切口疝。LA组无穿刺孔疝发生;1例穿孔性阑尾炎1年后因粘连性肠梗阻再次入院,保守治疗无效后急诊行肠粘连松解术。结论 LA安全可行,术后恢复快,可减少开腹手术的误诊和漏诊。     

腹腔镜与开腹子宫肌瘤剔除术比较

目的探讨腹腔镜下子宫肌瘤剔除术的临床应用价值。方法回顾分析2002年10月~2004年2月我院腹腔镜子宫肌瘤剔除58例(腹腔镜组)和开腹子宫肌瘤剔除52例(开腹组)的临床资料。结果腹腔镜组58例成功完成腹腔镜手术,手术时间(58.0±11.2)m in,显著短于开腹组的(69.4±10.3)m in(t=-5.535,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术中出血量(71.6±34.8)m l,显著少于开腹组的(149.1±38.9)m l(t=-11.029,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后病率21例,显著少于开腹组的39例(2χ=16.642,P=0.000);腹腔镜组术后住院(4.5±1.6)d,显著短于开腹组的(7.6±2.1)d(t=-8.760,P=0.000);腹腔镜组住院费用(6 511.3±566.7)元,显著高于开腹组的(6 286.8±387.5)元(t=2.398,P=0.018);其中腹腔镜组手术麻醉费(1 566.7±154.7)元,显著高于开腹组的(946.6±156.6)元(t=20.868,P=0.000);术后药费腹腔镜组(703.5±140.2)元,显著少于开腹组的(1 278.4±237.6)元(t=-15.643,P=0.000)。腹腔镜组56例,开腹组50例随访18~34个月,平均26个月,2组复发率、妊娠率差异均无统计学意义。结论腹腔镜子宫肌瘤剔除术具有术中出血少、术后恢复快、住院时间短、并发症少等优点,是目前较为理想的治疗子宫肌瘤的方法之一。     

免气腹二孔法微型腹腔镜技术在阑尾切除术中的应用

目的比较免气腹二孔法微型腹腔镜阑尾切除术(mini laparoscopic appendectomy,MLA)与开腹阑尾切除术(open appendectomy,OA)的手术效果。方法将2008年10月~2009年7月23例免气腹二孔法微型腹腔镜尾切除术(MLA组)和同期29例开腹阑尾切除术(OA组)的临床资料进行比较,比较2组手术时间、术后疼痛评分(采用视觉模拟评分即VAS方法,分别于术后24、48、72h进行疼痛评分)、术后胃肠功能恢复时间、术后住院时间、住院费用等指标。结果52例阑尾炎手术全部成功,MLA组手术时间(58.3±24.8)min显著短于OA组(84.9±29.1)min(t=-3.491,P=0.001);MLA组术后疼痛评分24h(2.6±0.8)分、48h(1.4±0.6)分、72h(0.7±0.4)分显著小于OA组24h(5.4±1.2)分(t=-9.614,P=0.000)、48h(3.8±1.2)分(t=-8.751,P=0.000)、72h(2.4±1.2)分(t=-6.502,P=0.000);MLA组术后胃肠功能恢复时间(28.1±14.6)h显著短于OA组(41.3±28.1)h(t=-2.042,P=0.046);MLA组术后住院时间(4.6±1.8)d显著短于OA组(6.8±3.2)d(t=-2.945,P=0.005);MLA组住院费用(4040.7±737.2)元显著高于OA组(3419.6±810.4)元(t=2.855,P=0.006)。结论免气腹二孔法MLA具有创伤更小、恢复快、住院时间短等诸多明显的优点,但住院费用仍较传统方法偏高。     

腹腔镜与开腹手术治疗附件良性肿物的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜手术治疗附件良性肿物的临床价值。方法将附件良性肿物须行手术治疗140例,按患者及家属意愿分为腹腔镜组(68例)和开腹组(72例),比较2组术中及术后恢复情况。结果腹腔镜组与开腹组手术时间分别为(48.1±30.8)m in与(50.4±32.8)m in,差异无显著性(t=-0.427,P=0.670);腹腔镜组术中出血量少(15.4±28.2 m lvs 42.5±41.8 m l;t=-4.471,P=0.000)、肛门排气早(8.5±2.7 h vs 37.5±11.2 h;t=-20.785,P=0.000)、术后病率低(4/68 vs 13/72;2χ=4.858,P=0.028)。所有病例术后随访2~19个月,平均11个月,无复发。结论腹腔镜手术治疗附件良性肿物创伤小,出血少,住院时间短,术后恢复快,优于传统的开腹手术,有较大的应用价值。     

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.