经腹直肌外侧入路联合3D打印技术治疗老年复杂髋臼骨折的临床疗效评价

目的 对经腹直肌外侧入路联合3D打印技术治疗老年复杂髋臼骨折的临床疗效进行评价。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月至2019年12月于我院行外科手术治疗的74例复杂髋臼骨折老年病人的临床资料，按照治疗方式的不同分为研究组与对照组，研究组38例，对照组36例。对照组采用传统经髂腹股沟入路联合3D打印技术，研究组采用经腹直肌外侧入路联合3D打印技术治疗。记录两组病人切口长度、骨折部位暴露时间、术中出血量、手术时间及术后骨折复位质量情况。比较两组病人术前、术后3个月及6个月时的髋关节改良Merle D''Aubigne-Postel评分变化；分析术前及术后6个月时，两组病人髋关节活动状态（伸展、前屈、内收、外展）变化；比较两组病人在术后1个月内的并发症发生情况差异；术后1周采用Matta影像学评估标准比较两组术后骨折复位质量差异。结果 研究组病人手术切口长度、骨折部位暴露时间、手术用时均短于对照组（P＜0.05），且术中出血量少于对照组（P＜0.05）；术后3个月及6个月，两组病人改良Merle D''Aubigne-Postel评分均较术前升高（P＜0.05），且研究组均高于同一时间对照组（P＜0.05）；术后6个月时，两组病人伸展、前屈、内收、外展度数均较术前增大（P＜0.05），且研究组大于同一时间对照组（P＜0.05）；术后1个月内，两组病人深静脉血栓、切口感染、腹疝以及神经损伤发生率比较，差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）；术后1周研究组骨折复位总体优良率高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 经腹直肌外侧入路联合3D打印技术能够减轻行复杂髋臼骨折手术的老年病人手术创伤并缩短手术时间，有助于改善其术后髋关节功能与活动状态，有效提高老年复杂髋臼骨折复位质量。     

Bryan颈椎人工椎间盘置换术后再手术原因及疗效分析

目的 探讨Bryan颈椎人工椎间盘置换术（CTDR）后再手术原因及疗效。方法 选择2003年12月—2008年12月在北京大学第三医院行Bryan CTDR且随访期内接受再手术治疗的6例患者为研究组，采用巢式病例对照研究法，选取30例年龄及性别相匹配、在同一时间段接受Bryan CTDR且随访期内未再行颈椎手术治疗的患者作为对照组。比较2组患者初次术前影像学特征，评估研究组的再手术治疗效果。结果 研究组初次术前颈椎X线片退行性变评分高于对照组，发育性椎管狭窄发生率高于对照组，差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。研究组再手术治疗后，改良日本骨科学会（mJOA）评分较再手术前改善，差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）；颈椎功能障碍指数（NDI）及疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分较术前虽有改善，但差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 接受Bryan CTDR治疗的患者，如果术前颈椎退行性变程度较重，合并发育性颈椎椎管狭窄，则术后因复发性颈椎病而接受再手术治疗的风险较高。针对复发原因采取恰当的术式治疗能够显著改善患者神经功能障碍。     

腋窝入路与侧方入路腔镜保留乳头乳晕乳腺癌根治切除加假体植入乳房重建术的疗效比较

背景与目的 近年来,腔镜保留乳头乳晕乳腺癌根治切除（NSM）加假体植入乳房重建术的开展逐渐增多。腔镜手术的入路多种多样,目前主要是腋窝入路与侧方入路,然而目前对两种入路手术效果的比较研究仍少有报道,因此,本研究对腋窝入路与侧方入路行腔镜NSM加假体重建手术的疗效进行比较,以期为临床选择合适的腔镜手术入路提供参考。方法 回顾性收集中国人民解放军陆军军医大学第一附属医院乳腺甲状腺外科2016年1月—2022年10月152例行腔镜NSM加假体植入乳房重建术乳腺癌患者临床资料。按手术入路分为腋窝入路组（78例）与侧方入路组（74例）,比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果 两组患者的基线资料差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。侧方入路组手术时间短于腋窝入路组（211.50 min vs. 250.00 min,P<0.001）,引流量少于腋窝入路组（300.50 mL vs. 504.50 mL,P<0.001）,腋窝入路组行胸肌前假体植入比例明显高于侧方入路组（24.4% vs. 6.8%,P=0.003）,两组术中出血量、术后引流时间差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。两组患者术后血肿、感染、积液、乳头乳晕或皮瓣坏死、包膜挛缩发生率差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。术后随访6个月结果显示,两组患者乳房外形、生活质量情况及术后满意度（腋窝入路：91.0% vs. 侧方入路：91.9%）差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。两组在远处转移、局部复发、总生存率差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。结论 经腋窝入路和侧方入路NSM加假体植入乳房重建的两种入路方式均安全有效,美学效果无差异。腋窝入路适合进行胸肌前假体植入,侧方入路操作简便,手术时间短,利于保留胸肌筋膜,可进行免补片的胸肌后假体植入。     

以锁骨上窝特殊脂肪组织为标记指引无充气腋窝入路腔镜甲状腺手术的临床效果（附视频）

背景与目的 目前，无充气腋窝入路腔镜下甲状腺手术（GUA-ET）逐渐被广泛采用，但建腔因其分离皮瓣时存在损伤重要血管和神经的可能性而一直是该手术的重难点。笔者中心近年发现位于锁骨上窝的脂肪团（笔者将其命名为freedom脂肪，简称F脂肪）在GUA-ET手术中有示踪颈外静脉及属支、锁骨上神经和皮下神经分支的作用。因此，本文探讨以F脂肪为指引标记在GUA-ET手术中的临床应用价值。方法 回顾分析2022年5月—2022年12月在湖南省人民医院乳甲外科二病区接受GUA-ET手术的177例甲状腺乳头状癌患者的临床数据。其中，93例术中采用F脂肪作为指引标记（观察组），84例术中未采用F脂肪指引标记（对照组），比较两组患者的初始建腔时间、建腔出血例数、中转开放以及皮肤烧灼伤等并发症的发生率。结果 两组患者的性别与年龄差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。观察组患者GUA-ET手术初始建腔时间明显少于对照组［（12.84±2.218）min vs.（30.49±5.871）min，P<0.05］；观察组建腔过程中出血4例（4.3%），对照组6例（7.1%），差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；观察组未发生术中出血转开放及皮肤烧灼伤等并发症，对照组发生术中出血转开放与皮肤烧灼伤各1例，但差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。结论 以F脂肪为标记指引GUA-ET手术可避免因保护颈外静脉及其属支等结构而进行的分离与暴露，从而有效缩短初始建腔时间，并可能减少并发症的发生，建议临床推广应用。     

椎弓根固定结合经椎间孔椎间融合治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症伴腰椎不稳

目的：探讨经肌间隙入路椎弓根固定结合经椎间孔椎间融合（transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,TLIF）治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症伴腰椎不稳的临床疗效。方法：2008年3月至2010年5月收治35例复发性腰椎间盘突出症,其中15例行经肌间隙入路单边椎弓根固定结合TLIF术式（单边固定组）,20例行后正中入路双边椎弓根固定结合后路椎间植骨融合（posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF）术式（双边固定组）.观察手术时间、术中出血量,并比较手术前后两组患者JOA评分、腰痛及腿痛VAS评分及融合情况。结果：所有患者获得随访,时间6～30个月,平均16.8个月。两组患者腰腿痛等临床症状较术前明显缓解,X线片显示植骨融合良好（双边固定组中1例未融合）,无融合器移位、下沉及内固定器械松动或断裂。两组患者手术时间、术中出血量比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）.术后JOA评分均较术前降低（P<0.05）.术后1周,两组患者腰痛VAS评分比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,腿痛VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;末次随访,腰痛及腿痛VAS评分两组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）.结论：两种术式在治疗复发性腰椎间盘突出症伴腰椎不稳均可达到满意的疗效,经肌间隙入路单边椎弓根固定结合TLIF术式切口较小,手术时间较短,术中出血量较少,术后腰痛缓解较快。     

颈后路椎弓根钉棒短节段内固定治疗寰枢椎骨折脱位

目的:探讨颈后路椎弓根钉棒短节段内固定治疗寰枢椎骨折脱位的临床疗效。方法:对2015年1月至2018年1月手术治疗的60例寰枢椎骨折脱位患者进行回顾性分析,根据手术方法的不同分为研究组和对照组,其中研究组30例,男13例,女17例;年龄(39.32±2.85)岁;行颈后路椎弓根钉棒短节段内固定术。对照组30例,男12例,女18例;年龄(39.57±2.90)岁;行寰椎后路椎板夹内固定。记录两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后下床活动时间和住院时间以及并发症,观察两组患者疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),神经功能日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopedic Association,JOA)评分及融合情况。结果:两组患者均获得至少12个月随访。研究组手术时间、术中出血量、术后下床活动时间及住院时间均优于对照组(P=0.000)。研究组发生呼吸道损伤1例;对照组发生切口感染2例,呼吸道损伤3例,相邻节段关节退变3例;研究组并发症发生率低于对照组(χ²=4.705,P=0.030)。术后1、3、7 d,研究组VAS低于对照组(P=0.000);术后1、3个月时,研究组JOA评分高于对照组(P=0.000)。术后12个月研究组患者均获得骨性融合;对照组出现3例骨性融合不佳,3例内固定断裂,发生率为20.00%(6/30);两组差异有统计学意义(χ²=4.629,P=0.031)。结论:颈后路椎弓根钉棒短节段内固定治疗寰枢椎骨折脱位具有创伤小、手术时间短、并发症少、疼痛程度轻等优势,且可促使神经功能尽快恢复。     

胸乳入路腔镜手术治疗甲状腺良性肿瘤的临床应用

背景与目的 传统开放甲状腺手术会在颈前部留下瘢痕,严重影响颈部美观,尤其对于年轻女性且有瘢痕体质的患者,会造成较大的心理创伤。腔镜甲状腺手术可经过乳晕、腋窝或胸乳等入路进行病灶的切除,具有隐形疤痕的作用,但有部分观点认为腔镜甲状腺手术因为要建立皮下通道及手术空间,其创伤更大。因此,本研究通过对比行经胸乳入路腔镜手术与传统开放手术治疗的甲状腺良性肿瘤患者的临床指标,进一步评价腔镜甲状腺手术安全性与可行性。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月—2021年1月江苏省扬州市中医院外科手术治疗106例甲状腺良性肿瘤患者的临床资料,其中52例采取经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺切除术（腔镜组）,54例采取传统开放手术（开放组）。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、住院时间、切口美容效果满意度、视觉模拟评分（VAS）及术后并发症发生情况。结果 腔镜组手术时间长于开放组［（115.3±22.7）min vs.（87.5±26.4）min,P=0.037］;术中出血量、引流量均少于开放组［（22.3±6.4）mL vs.（45.2±7.1）mL,P=0.009;（25.6±6.5）mL vs.（49.5±12.7）mL,P=0.011］;腔镜组住院时间短于开放组［（4.52±0.31）d vs.（7.81±0.86）d,P=0.027］;腔镜组切口满意度评分高于开放组［（9.33±1.40）分 vs.（3.41±1.24）分,P=0.033］;腔镜组VAS评分低于开放组［（1.77±0.34）分 vs.（4.52±0.55）分,P=0.024］;腔镜组总术后并发症发生率低于开放组（6.2% vs. 18.4%,P=0.018）。结论 与开放甲状腺手术比较,经胸乳入路腔镜甲状腺手术切口小、疼痛轻、出血少、恢复快、并发症发生率低,美容效果显著,值得临床进一步推广应用。     

单一正中入路微创经椎间孔入路腰椎椎间融合术治疗腰椎退行性疾病

目的 探讨单一正中入路微创经椎间孔入路腰椎椎间融合术（MIS-TLIF）治疗腰椎退行性疾病的可行性、安全性及临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2020年9月—2021年6月南昌大学第一附属医院采用单一正中入路MIS-TLIF（modified MIS-TLIF组，n=53）和TLIF（TLIF组，n=53）治疗的腰椎退行性疾病患者资料，记录术中出血量、术后引流量、手术时间、术后住院时间、皮肤切口长度及并发症发生情况。术前及术后1、6、12个月使用疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分和Oswestry功能障碍指数（ODI）评估疼痛程度及腰椎功能。结果 所有手术顺利完成，modified MIS-TLIF组术中出血量、术后引流量、术后住院时间、皮肤切口长度及并发症发生率少于TLIF组，手术时间长于TLIF组，差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。2组术后1、6、12个月腰腿痛VAS评分及ODI较术前显著改善，且modified MIS-TLIF组术后1、6、12个月ODI优于TILF组，差异均有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。结论 相对于TLIF，单一正中入路MIS-TLIF可减少手术创伤和术中出血量，患者术后恢复快，切口并发症少；相较于传统MIS-TLIF，该技术减压空间充分，学习难度低。因此，单一正中入路MIS-TLIF是一种安全、有效的腰椎退行性疾病微创手术方式，可作为MIS-TLIF的一种替选技术方案。     

“立体缝合”法在腹腔镜造口旁疝Sugarbaker修补术中的应用

背景与目的 造口旁疝是肠造口术后的常见并发症，腹腔镜Sugarbaker修补术是目前主流的手术方式，而如何缝合关闭筋膜缺损是手术最大的难点。常规的缝合关闭技术存在闭合或缩小缺损困难、术后血清肿发生率高、腹壁塑形效果差等不足。笔者中心在前期应用“立体缝合”技术缝合关闭缺损，可以较好地解决上述问题。本研究通过对比造口旁疝腹腔镜Sugarbaker修补术中应用“立体缝合”技术和常规缝合技术的两组患者的临床疗效，探讨“立体缝合”技术在造口旁疝修补术中的临床价值。方法 回顾性分析2018年1月—2021年12月中山大学附属第六医院疝和腹壁外科行腹腔镜Sugarbaker修补术的造口旁疝患者资料，其中44例采用“立体缝合”关闭缺损（研究组），29例采用传统缝合方法关闭缺损（对照组），比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果 研究组均实现了筋膜缺损的完全关闭，对照组无法完全关闭缺损9例（31.0%）；研究组平均关闭筋膜缺损缝合时间（47.45±10.44）min，平均手术时间（132.14±13.72）min，对照组平均关闭筋膜缺损缝合时间为（33.72±8.64）min，平均手术时间（113.97±18.30）min，两组以上指标差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.001）。研究组术后血清肿发生率明显低于对照组（6.8% vs. 27.6%，P=0.036），两组术后补片感染发生率差异无统计学意义（2.3% vs. 3.4%，P=0.640）。研究组术后复发率明显低于对照组（2.3% vs. 20.7%，P=0.027）。研究组术后住院时间6（5~7）d，住院费用为（72 998.79±15 352.46）元，对照组术后住院时间6（5~7）d，住院费用为（72 998.79±11 542.77）元，两组间该两项指标差异均无统计学意义（P=0.447，P=0.708）。结论 立体缝合技术应用于造口旁疝修补术中，可有效关闭筋膜缺损，减少术后血清肿和复发的发生率。     

超声引导下腹股沟韧带上髂筋膜间隙阻滞联合外侧入路坐骨神经阻滞对下肢创伤术后加速康复的影响

目的 探讨超声引导下腹股沟韧带上髂筋膜间隙阻滞（supra-inguinal fascia iliaca compartment block，S-FICB）联合外侧入路坐骨神经阻滞对下肢创伤病人术后加速康复效果的影响。方法 选择下肢创伤病人100例，采用随机数字法分组。观察组50例，采用超声引导下S-FICB联合外侧入路坐骨神经阻滞；对照组50例，采用L_3/4硬膜外麻醉。记录两组麻醉前（T0）、麻醉后10 min（T1）、麻醉后30 min（T2）、60 min（T3）的收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）、心率（HR）及麻黄碱使用情况；记录两组麻醉效果、病人舒适满意度、术中恶心呕吐情况，以及术后48 h内恶心呕吐及尿潴留的发生情况。结果 两组麻醉效果的差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）；观察组病人的术前舒适满意度优于对照组，术中麻黄碱使用量低于对照组，术后48 h尿潴留、恶心呕吐发生率明显低于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。与T0时比较，对照组T1、T2时的SBP和DBP明显降低（P＜0.05）；对照组T1、T2时的SBP显著低于观察组，T2时的DBP显著低于观察组，组间比较，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 在下肢创伤病人中，S-FICB联合外侧入路坐骨神经阻滞与硬膜外麻醉相比，其血流动力学平稳、术后并发症少、病人舒适满意度高。     

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.     

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.