胸椎椎间盘突出症后外侧入路几种手术方式的选择

目的探讨胸椎椎间盘突出症的临床表现、诊断及后外侧入路椎间盘摘除术治疗胸椎椎间盘突出症的手术效果。方法回顾1995年1月~2006年5月经后外侧入路椎间盘摘除术治疗的27例胸椎椎间盘突出症患者,分析其临床特点、影像学改变及手术治疗方法。本组患者共27例,男16例,女11例,平均年龄44.2岁。均采用经后外侧入路椎间盘摘除术,其中经肋骨横突入路摘除椎间盘2例,经椎间孔外侧前方入路摘除椎间盘11例,经关节突入路摘除椎间盘14例。结果随访1~l0年,25例患者脊髓神经功能均有不同程度改善,1例T10,11巨大椎间盘突出的患者无改善,1例T8,9椎间盘突出合并后纵韧带骨化的患者术后症状加重,总体手术优良率达92.6%。结论CT或MRI检查对确诊与定位有重要价值。可根据椎间盘突出的大小、位置等情况选择其入路。经后外侧入路椎间盘摘除术是治疗胸椎椎间盘突出症比较有效、安全的术式。     

经后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症

目的:观察经后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的手术疗效。方法:选择2009年1月~2015年8月收治的47例单节段胸椎间盘突出症患者,采用椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗,其中经后外侧入路组26例,经侧前方入路组21例。术前两组患者的年龄、性别分布、病程、病变节段、突出类型、脊髓受压情况、临床表现、随访时间均无统计学差异(P0.05)。记录两种术式的手术时间、术中出血量和手术并发症;术前及术后3d、6个月采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)评估疼痛情况;术后6个月采用Otani分级评定其临床疗效,采用改良胸脊髓神经功能JOA评分及神经功能Frankel分级评估神经功能恢复情况,影像学测算椎管矢状径残余率评估椎管减压程度,CT薄层扫描重建评估椎间融合情况,动态X线片对固定情况进行评估。结果:经后外侧入路组的手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度和住院时间均优于经侧前方入路组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。经侧前方入路组术后发生胸腔积液4例、肺炎4例、脑脊液漏2例、肠麻痹5例,经后外侧入路组术后无上述并发症出现,两组并发症发生率的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月两组Otani分级优良率无统计学差异(P0.05)。术后3d经后外侧入路组VAS评分优于经侧前方入路组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月两组患者的疼痛、神经功能及椎管有效容积均较术前明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后6个月,两组间VAS评分、JOA评分、神经功能Frankel分级和椎管矢状径残余率比较均无统计学差异(P0.05),CT三维重建显示两组椎间融合率均为100%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);动态X线片检查脊柱连续性及稳定性良好,无钉棒断裂和松动现象,椎间高度无明显丢失,椎体间cage无下陷及移位。结论:后外侧入路椎管减压椎间融合内固定术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的近期效果满意。     

Zero-P椎间融合术治疗颈椎间盘突出并脊髓损伤的疗效观察

目的探讨颈前路减压零切迹椎间融合术(Zero-P)治疗外伤性颈椎间盘突出并脊髓损伤的疗效。方法回顾分析我院2011年1月至2014年12月42例外伤性颈椎间盘突出并脊髓损伤患者的资料,其中男30例,女12例;年龄29~70岁,平均年龄48岁。Frankel分级A级4例,B级15例,C级18例,D级5例。均采用颈椎前路椎间盘切除、零切迹椎间融合术,于术前、术后3个月及末次随访时记录Frankel分级情况及JOA评分改善率评价治疗效果。结果 42例均顺利完成手术,术后切口均甲级愈合,随访6~36个月,平均15个月;术后除3例Frankel分级A级患者无恢复外,其余患者恢复1~4个等级。术后3个月时JOA评分为(15.3±1.5)分,改善率为(56.8±15.8)%;末次随访时JOA评分为(15.8±1.5)分,改善率为(66.0±13.0)%。随访中未见内置物松动或断裂等并发症发生,固定节段均获得骨性融合。结论颈前路减压零切迹椎间融合术治疗外伤性颈椎间盘突出并脊髓损伤疗效确切,可获得较理想的脊髓功能恢复效果。     

胸椎间盘突出症的手术治疗

目的 探讨胸腰椎间盘突出症(TDH)的临床表现、诊断及手术治疗方法及效果.方法 经后路手术治疗TDH患者24例,采用后路全椎板切除,经一侧或两侧关节突和下位横突进入切除突出椎间盘,其中15例采用后路椎间植骨融合双侧钉棒系统内固定,9例采用后路椎间植骨融合单侧钉棒系统内固定.结果 随访1～8年,23例脊髓神经功能均有不同程度改善,1例T10～11巨大椎间盘突出者神经功能无改善.1例T8～9椎间盘突出合并后纵韧带骨化者术后症状加重,经对症治疗后1例神经症状加重者术后26个月神经功能恢复至D级.按Otani et al方法评价疗效:优16例,良8例,优良率达91.6%.结论 CT或MRI检查对TDH确诊与定位有重要价值.后路经关节突和下位横突(单或双侧)入路切除胸椎间盘可获得满意疗效.     

后路椎间盘切除治疗下胸椎椎间盘突出症

目的 探讨后路椎板切除减压、经关节突关节椎间盘切除、椎间植骨融合并节段性内固定治疗下胸椎椎间盘突出症的疗效.方法 2000年6月至2010年6月,采用后路椎板切除减压、经关节突关节椎间盘切除、椎间植骨融合并节段性内固定治疗下胸椎椎间盘突出症患者36例,男23例,女13例;年龄22～61岁,平均42岁;病程21天至69个月,平均22个月.病变位于T10-11间隙12例,T11-12间隙15例,T12L1间隙9例.所有患者均行X线及MR检查,31例患者行CT检查,其中中央型突出25例,旁中央型7例,外侧型4例.采用Otani等评分系统进行术后疗效评估并计算临床优良率,评价治疗效果.结果 手术时间135～220 min,平均155 min;术中出血量350～800 ml,平均460 ml.所有患者均顺利完成手术,无神经症状加重及意外发生.12例发生脑脊液漏,予硬脊膜连续缝合或补片修补.2例巨大型椎间盘突出患者术后双下肢肌力减退,予激素、脱水、高压氧及营养神经药物治疗后肌力逐渐恢复.术后2周行X线检查示无内固定松动.随访时间14天至48个月,平均4个月.根据Otani等评分标准,优12例,良18例,可5例,差1例;临床优良率83.3%.结论 后路椎板切除减压、经关节突关节椎间盘切除、椎间植骨融合并节段性内固定是治疗下胸椎椎间盘突出症安全有效的术式.     

经皮脊柱内镜后外侧入路胸椎间盘切除术的可行性分析

目的探讨经皮脊柱内镜后外侧入路治疗胸椎间盘突出症(thoracic disc herniation,TDH)的疗效及可行性。方法 2016年8月～2019年10月经皮脊柱内镜技术治疗9例TDH。定位患椎节段后建立软组织通道,扩大成形椎间孔。对软性椎间盘,内镜下直接摘除;对钙化性椎间盘,采用"涵洞减压"技术处理。采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(Visual Analogue Scale,VAS)、日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopedic Association,JOA)胸脊髓功能评分(11分法)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry Disability Index,ODI)及改良MacNab标准评估疗效。结果 9例均顺利完成手术,无硬脊膜、胸神经损伤,术后CT、MR示胸椎管减压充分。随访6～25个月,平均15.4月,其中7例12个月。术后1个月、末次随访时VAS、JOA、ODI较术前明显改善(P0.05)。改良MacNab标准,优6例,良2例,可1例。结论经皮脊柱内镜后外侧入路治疗胸椎间盘突出症疗效确切,对钙化性突出椎间盘可采用"涵洞减压"技术去除。     

后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症

目的探讨经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症的手术方法及临床效果。方法自2008-07—2013-11采用经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症12例。结果本组手术时间130~270 min,平均177 min;术中出血量150~1 200 ml,平均516 ml。12例均获得随访1~3年。末次随访时X线及CT二维重建片均显示胸椎间骨性融合,无内固定松动、断裂。所有患者症状均有改善,参照Epstein标准:优7例,良3例,可2例。结论经后路胸椎椎间融合术治疗胸椎间盘突出症可提供充分的减压及足够的稳定,并且安全、有效,操作较为简单,值得推广应用。     

经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症

[目的]探讨经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症的临床效果和手术安全性。[方法]回顾性分析2008年1月~2013年6月,在本院行胸腔侧前方入路治疗的23例中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症患者,其中男13例,女10例;年龄40~68岁,平均52.8岁,病程9~49个月,平均20个月;所有患者术前均行X线、CT及MRI检查,突出类型:巨大型19例,非巨大型4例;突出部位:T5~62例,T7~83例,T8~94例,T9~104例,T10~118例,T11~122例。采用改良的日本骨科协会(JOA)评分法(11分法)及Frankel分级评价手术效果。[结果]23例患者中,19例行椎体次全切除减压椎间融合内固定术,其中4例行椎间盘切除减压内固定术,手术时间为140~210 min,平均180 min。术中出血量300~2 000 ml,平均860 ml,手术均顺利,术后未出现神经功能加重者。1例出现硬脊膜撕裂,经修补后愈合良好;1例术后出现张力性气胸,闭式胸管引流后,呼吸逐渐平稳;1例术后出现伤口感染,加强换药,应用敏感抗生素后伤口已愈合。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间6~45个月,平均30个月,随访期间未出现脊柱不稳及内固定物松动、移位、断裂等并发症。JOA评分由术前(4.31±1.13)(3~6分)分提高至术后(7.50±1.63)(4~10分),术后JOA评分与术前比较差异有统计学意义(t=9.98,P<0.01),JOA改善率(48.88±19.17)%(0~100%),优7例,良11例,可3例,未改善2例;末次随访时根据Frankel分级方法,A级0例,B级2例,C级2例,D级8例,E级11例。[结论]经胸腔侧前方入路治疗中央钙化型胸椎间盘突出症可获得满意疗效。     

经后方极外侧入路治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出症

目的 探讨经后方极外侧入路治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出症的可行性、安全性及有效性.方法 2005年4月至2010年6月,采用经后方极外侧人路治疗胸椎及胸腰段(T10～L2)椎间盘突出症患者24例,男15例,女9例;年龄25～69岁,平均53.6岁.椎间盘突出的节段:T4-5、T5-6、T6-7 1例,T9-101例,T10-11 2例,T10-11、T11-12、T12-L1 1例,T11-12 3例,T11-12、T12L1 3例,T12L1 4例,T12L1、L1-23例,L1-2 6例,即单间隙突出16例、双间隙突出6例、三间隙突出2例.其中16例患者合并椎体后缘离断、骨赘、椎间盘钙化或后纵韧带骨化.术前椎间盘突出节段局部脊柱的后凸Cobb角平均为10.5°;患者的神经功能Frankel分级为:C级5例、D级16例、E级3例.结果 手术时间2.0～4.5 h,平均3.5 h;术中出血量300～4000 ml,平均800 ml.术后突出节段局部脊柱的后凸Cobb角平均为4.6°,平均矫正率为56.2%.24例患者术后均获得随访,随访时间1～62个月,平均18个月.按照日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)29分法疗效评定标准,术后改善率优12例(50.0%),良9例(37.5%),可3例(12.5%),优良率为87.5%,有效率100%.术后Frankel分级情况为:C级1例,D级2例,E级21例.术中、术后无一例发生并发症,术后随访期内全部患者的症状均有不同程度的恢复和改善,无复发病例.结论 借助"安全三角区"的解剖特点进行操作和通过手术节段后方加压改善脊柱局部后凸畸形的方法治疗胸椎及胸腰段椎间盘突出症具有术野直视、清晰,操作简便、安全,切除减压彻底、有效的优点.     

椎间盘镜下B-Twin椎间植骨融合术治疗高位腰椎间盘突出症

目的 探讨椎间盘镜下减压B-Twin椎间植骨融合术治疗高位腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效.方法 自2008-01-2010-05收治高位腰椎间盘突出症32例,均为单节段病变,L1.2例,L2,3 8例,L3、4 20例.均行后路椎间盘镜下B-Twin椎间植骨融合术.结果 31例获得随访,随访时间13～36个月,平均26.7个月.术后腰腿疼痛症状均明显缓解或消失,VAS评分术前平均为(8.5±1.2)分,末次随访平均为(0.5±0.4)分;ODI术前平均(79±4)％,末次随访为(15±4)％,术后各时间点与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);椎间隙高度术前平均为(8.95±1.4)mm,术后12个月平均为(12.2±0.7)mm.31例椎间植骨均获得融合,融合时间为4.1～6.1个月,平均4.9个月.结论 椎间盘镜下B-Twin椎间植骨融合术治疗高位腰椎间盘突出症具有创伤小、临床疗效可靠的优点.     

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.