Perioperative analysis of laparoscopic liver resection with different methods of hepatic inflow occlusion

目的 探讨腹腔镜肝切除术中三种肝门阻断方式的手术效果.方法 回顾性分析应用三种不同的肝门阻断方式的腹腔镜肝切除术病人临床资料,其中全肝血流阻断法(Gro-IPO组)10例,即Pringle法,半肝血流阻断(Gro-HVO组)10例,选择性的肝门阻断(Gro-SVO组)11例.对病人术中出血量、手术时间、阻断时间、并发症发生情况进行统计学分析,比较其优缺点.结果 31例手术均获得成功,无死亡及中转开腹病例.三组在术中出血、手术时间上未见明显差异,全肝血流阻断时间Gro-IPO组短于其他两组,且差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 选择性的肝门阻断在腹腔镜肝切除中是安全可行的,HVO法适用于左半肝或左外叶的切除,而SVO法适用于肝右叶的切除.     

左半肝切除术中应用Pringle法联合左肝静脉阻断的临床体会

目的:探讨Pringle法联合左肝静脉阻断法行左半肝切除术的有效性及安全性。方法:采用回顾性病例对照研究方法,收集2015年1月至2018年12月因肝细胞癌行左半肝切除术的139例患者的临床资料,71例患者采用Pringle法联合左肝静脉阻断,为观察组,68例患者采用单纯Pringle法阻断,为对照组。对比两组患者术前资料、手术相关资料、术后并发症及术后住院时间。将139例患者按手术方式分为开腹左半肝切除(n=62)与腹腔镜左半肝切除(n=77)两个亚组,分别对比术中、术后相关指标。结果:观察组与对照组患者的性别、年龄、乙肝病毒感染、BMI、术前血红蛋白、肝功能指标、手术史及Ishak评分等一般资料差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),两组手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血、肝门阻断时间、术后并发症发生率、术后住院时间差异亦无统计学意义。亚组分析显示,开腹手术中,观察组术中出血量[(169.9±91.0)mL vs.(233.6±118.9)mL,P=0.020]少于对照组;腹腔镜手术中,观察组手术开始至肝切除开始时间[(36.2±5.6)min vs.(32.9±6.5)min,P=0.018]、手术开始至关腹完成时间[(140.3±20.4)min vs.(128.3±15.7)min,P=0.005)]长于对照组;术中出血量差异无统计学意义。结论:Pringle法联合左肝静脉阻断应用于开腹左半肝切除术中效果确切,应用于腹腔镜左半肝切除术可能延长手术时间,且达不到减少出血的目的。     

选择性半肝血流阻断下腹腔镜右半肝切除术七例

目的 探讨选择性半肝血流阻断下腹腔镜右半肝切除术的可行性与安全性.方法 解剖右侧肝门,在选择性半肝血流阻断下,采用腹腔镜多功能手术解剖器(laparoscopic Peng's multifunctional operative dissector,LPMOD)刮吸断肝技术行肝脏良性疾病腹腔镜右半肝切除术7例.结果 除1例右肝血管瘤患者因中肝静脉属支出血难以控制,做小切口辅助止血而完成手术外,其余6例均完成选择性半肝血流阻断下腹腔镜右半肝切除术.手术时间300 ～540min,平均(399±75) min,其中解剖肝门时间30～75 min,平均(51±16) min,切肝时间60～160 min,平均(116±32) min,术中出血600 ～3000 ml,平均(1486±809) ml,术后丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)升高至(302～557) U/L,平均(386±85) U/L,恢复正常水平5～11d,平均(7.1±2.0)d.术后住院时间10～18d,平均(12.4±2.6)d.术后2～4d下床,术后1～4d进食,术后2～4d肛门排气,无严重并发症发生.结论 选择性半肝血流阻断下行腹腔镜右半肝切除术是安全可行的.     

腹腔镜下右半肝血流阻断的肝右后叶切除术(附16例报告)

目的:探讨腹腔镜下采用右半肝血流阻断行肝右后叶切除术的可行性。方法:2016年1月至2016年12月为16例肝右后叶肿瘤患者行完全腹腔镜肝右后叶切除术,术中采用血流阻断。结果:16例手术均获成功,无一例中转开腹,手术时间150~290 min,平均(196.2±12.5)min;右半肝阻断时间20~40 min,平均(26.5±1.2)min;术中出血量150~400 ml,平均(255.0±8.3)ml。术后无出血、肝功能衰竭、胆漏、感染、死亡等严重并发症发生。术后住院5~12 d,平均(6.6±0.5)d。结论:在熟练掌握腹腔镜肝切除操作要点的前提下,采用右半肝血流阻断技术行腹腔镜肝右后叶切除术治疗肝肿瘤是安全、可行的。     

腹腔镜下右半肝切除术治疗右肝肿瘤的围手术期疗效评估

目的比较腹腔镜下右半肝切除术与开腹右半肝切除术治疗右肝肿瘤的围手术期疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2016年6月浙江省人民医院收治的36例右半肝肿瘤行右半肝切除患者资料。根据手术方法分为腹腔镜右半肝切除组(15例)和开腹右半肝切除组(21例),比较两组患者围手术期疗效。结果腹腔镜右半肝切除组与开腹右半肝切除组在切口长度[(8.93±1.53)cm vs(22.62±2.56)cm,t=19.992,P0.05]、手术时间[(305.67±42.96)min vs(254.29±53.53)min,t=-3.073,P0.05]及术中出血量[(386.67±201.31)mL vs(747.62±451.24)mL,t=3.242,P0.05]方面,组间差异均具有统计学意义。与开腹右半肝切除组相比,腹腔镜右半肝切除组术后胃肠道通气时间[(2.60±1.30)d vs(9.24±4.22)d,t=2.107,P0.05]、术后住院时间[(10.93±2.28)d vs(14.71±5.17)d,t=2.971,P0.05]及并发症发生率(13.33%vs 47.62%,χ~2=4.629,P0.05)均较低,组间差异有统计学意义。术中第一肝门阻断,腹腔镜右半肝切除组为2例,开腹右半肝切除组为8例,差异无统计学意义(χ~2=2.674,P0.05);术后标本肿瘤切缘,腹腔镜右半肝切除组为(8.13±3.74)mm,开腹右半肝切除组为(10.24±4.12)mm,组间差异学无统计学意义(t=1.569,P0.05)。结论腹腔镜下右半肝切除治疗右肝肿瘤方法可行,较开腹右半肝切除胃肠道功能恢复快,住院时间短,并发症少,具有创伤小、安全性高等特点,术后疗效肯定,值得临床推广。     

选择性半肝血流阻断下腹腔镜半肝切除术

目的探讨选择性半肝血流阻断下腹腔镜半肝切除术的安全性与可行性。方法解剖患侧肝门，在选择性半肝血流阻断下，采用腹腔镜多功能手术解剖器（LPMOD）刮吸断肝技术行完全腹腔镜半肝切除术9例。包括左半肝切除7例，右半肝切除2例。结果全部顺利完成手术，无中转开腹。手术时间210～380min，（267．8±57．2）min，其中解剖肝门时间20—70min，（49．4±17．4）min，切肝时间90～170min，（113．3±30．8）min，术中出血100～1100ml，（440．0±340．4）ml，术后丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）升高值53～374U／L，（214．8±124．4）U／L，恢复正常时间4—11d，（6．1±2．1）d，术后住院时间7～14d，（9．7±2．0）d，无严重并发症发生。结论选择性半肝血流阻断下行腹腔镜半肝切除术是安全可行的。     

肝门区肿瘤切除中肝脏血流阻断方法的探讨

目的 探讨肝脏血流阻断技术在肝门区肿瘤切除中的合理应用.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月至2008年3月采用第一肝门阻断法(Pringle法)和常温下全肝血流阻断技术(NHVE)相结合切除16例肝门区肿瘤的临床资料,分析肿瘤和肝门区血管的毗邻关系、阻断次数、阻断时间、术中出血量、输血量、术后并发症等指标.结果 本组16例患者采用Pringle法与NHVE相结合技术切除肿瘤,Pringle法平均阻断(3.8±1.6)次,平均阻断时间(46.6±28.8)min;NHVE平均阻断(1.6±0.4)次,平均阻断时间(23.5±8.2)min;术中出血量平均(1250±320)ml,输血量平均(860±245)ml;术中修补下腔静脉损伤4例,肝静脉损伤2例,门静脉主干损伤2例;术后均有肝脏酶学指标、胆线素不同程度的升高,经保肝等治疗后恢复正常,未发牛肝功能衰竭等严重并发症.结论 Pringle法与NHVE技术分步结合使用可减少全肝血流阻断时间、增加肝门区肿瘤切除的安全性.     

腹腔镜肝切除术治疗肝血管瘤22例临床分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜肝切除术治疗肝血管瘤的技术要点和疗效.方法 回顾分析第三军医大学西南医院2007年3月1日至2008年2月29日22例肝血管瘤病人行腹腔镜肝切除术的临床资料.结果 22例中2例中转开腹,20例完成全腹腔镜肝切除术.规则性肝叶(段)切除14例,其中左半肝切除5例,左外叶切除5例(其中1例联合右肝血管瘤射频消融术),Ⅵ段切除4例;不规则肝切除8例.10例在区域性半肝血流阻断条件下手术,7例行间歇性第一肝门血流阻断,5例未行人肝血流阻断.平均手术时间209 min,平均术中出血量360 ml.全组无手术死亡及并发症发生.术后恢复顺利,平均术后住院时间6 d.随访2～14个月,无症状再发及肿瘤复发.结论 腹腔镜肝切除术治疗肝血管瘤具有手术安全、并发症少和术后恢复快等优点,其技术要点是选择恰当适应证和手术入路,有效控制入肝血流和妥善处理肝断面,肝实质离断沿瘤体周围0.5～1 cm正常肝实质内进行或直接行荷瘤肝叶(段)规则性切除.     

选择性出入肝血流阻断在巨大肝癌肝切除术中的应用

目的 探讨行巨大肝癌肝切除术时选择性出入肝血流阻断技术对患者预后的影响.方法 回顾性分析2005年1月至2010年1月浙江省人民医院收治的49例巨大肝癌行肝切除术患者的临床资料.根据肝脏血流阻断技术不同,分为第一肝门血流阻断组(第一肝门组,24例)和选择性出入肝血流阻断组(选择阻断组,25例).分析两组患者手术情况、肝肾功能、并发症、生存率和肝癌复发情况.计量资料采用t检验,计数资料比较采用x2检验或Fisher确切概率法,采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制生存曲线,生存情况比较采用Log-rank检验.结果 两组患者均顺利施行肝切除术,第一肝门组患者的肝血流阻断时间为(32±19) min,选择阻断组为(34±22) min,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(t=2.45,P＞0.05).第一肝门组患者的术中出血量为(736±543) ml,明显多于选择阻断组(273 ±298)ml(t =6.87,P＜0.05).第一肝门组患者肝静脉损伤的发生率为21％(5/24),选择阻断组为24％(6/25),两组比较,差异无统计学意义(x2=1.45,P＞0.05).第一肝门组有3例患者出现肝静脉破裂大出血,1例患者发生空气栓塞抢救无效死亡;选择阻断组未发生上述情况.第一肝门组患者中4例发现肿瘤侵犯血管,选择阻断组患者中3例发现肿瘤侵犯血管,两组患者切缘均为阴性.两组术前肝功能无明显差别,选择阻断组术后第1、3天ALT值较第一肝门组明显降低(t=7.12,6.35,P＜0.05);两组尿素氮、肌酐比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).第一肝门组术后发生急性肝功能衰竭4例,选择阻断组无一例发生术后急性肝功能衰竭.第一肝门组1、3年无瘤生存率分别为58％、21％,明显低于选择阻断组的72％、30％(x2=5.32,6.07,P＜0.05).第一肝门组5年无瘤生存率为21％,选择阻断组为20％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(x2=1.78,P＞0.05).结论 选择性出入肝血流阻断肝切除术是一种安全、简便的方法,能有效预防肝静脉破裂出血和术后急性肝功能衰竭,并有助于减少巨大肝癌肝切除术后早期肿瘤复发,提高术后早期无瘤生存率.     

入肝血流阻断对肝切除术后血乳酸水平的影响

目的 分析肝切除术中入肝血流阻断对术后动脉血乳酸水平及pH值的影响.方法 回顾性分析我科2006年1月至2008年12月行肝切除术的68例患者,根据术中是否行人肝血流阻断分为肝门阻断组(20例)、规则半肝切除组(22例)和未阻断肝门组(26例).比较3组患者术后动脉血气、乳酸浓度及肝、肾功能等指标.结果 肝门阻断组和规则半肝切除组患者术后动脉血乳酸浓度明显升高[(5.53±2.31)mmoL/L,(5.62±2.52)mmol/L),与术中未阻断肝门组[(3.37±1.56)mmol/L]比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);半肝切除组HCO3-水平较肝门不阻断组明显降低[(19.68±3.82)mmoL/L vs(21.65±2.48)mmol/L,P<0.05];3组患者术后的pH、肝肾功能等改变无统计学意义.结论 人肝血流阻断可导致肝切除术后动脉血乳酸水平明显增高,术后密切监测乳酸浓度并及时处理,可避免术后高乳酸血症及代谢性酸中毒.     

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.