电视胸腔镜与传统开胸肺叶切除术治疗原发性非小细胞肺癌

目的 为了使电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)在临床中得到更好地应用,探讨电视胸腔镜肺叶切除术(VATS lobectomy)治疗原发性非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床价值.方法 2007年9月至2008年12月我科手术治疗NSCLC患者76例,其中37例接受电视胸腔镜肺叶切除术(VATS组),男21例,女16例;平均年龄60.4岁;采用胸腔镜辅助小切口肺叶切除术20例,全胸腔镜肺叶切除术17例.39例接受传统开胸肺叶切除术(传统开胸组),男32例,女7例; 平均年龄58.7岁.比较分析两组患者围手术期相关临床和实验室指标的变化.结果 两组患者均无严重并发症和围手术期死亡.VATS组与传统开胸组比较,在切口长度(7.6±1.9 cm vs. 28.5±3.6 cm, t=-31.390,P=0.000),术后杜冷丁用量(160±125 mg vs.232±101 mg,t=-2.789,P=0.007),术后胸腔引流量多于100 ml的天数(4.8±2.5 d vs. 8.1±3.2 d,t=-4.944,P=0.000)和术后住院时间(12.1±3.0 d vs. 15.7±4.7d,t=-3.945,P=0.000)等方面差异有统计学意义;两组在手术时间(t=1.732,P=0.087)、术中出血量(t=-1.645,P=0.105),淋巴结清扫数量(t=-0.088,P=0.930)等方面差异无统计学意义,VATS组的住院总费用略高于传统开胸组,但差异无统计学意义(t=1.303,P=0.197);VATS组术后第1 d血糖(7.2±1.2 mmol/L vs. 8.4±2.2 mmol/L,t=5.603,P=0.000)和白细胞总数(12.7±3.8×109/L vs. 15.1±5.9×109/L, t=5.082,P=0.004)均显著低于传统开胸组,前白蛋白值显著高于传统开胸组(215.0±45.5 mg/L vs.147.3±50.8 mg/L,t=-7.931,P=0.000).结论 电视胸腔镜肺叶切除术可彻底清扫淋巴结,术后创伤较小、急性期反应较低、疼痛轻、恢复较快、住院时间短且不明显增加患者经济负担,在严格选择患者的条件下,可以作为治疗早期NSCLC的一种手术途径.     

电视胸腔镜辅助小切口与传统开胸肺叶切除术的比较

目的探讨电视胸腔镜下肺叶切除术的临床效果。方法比较2005年1月至2010年12月105例电视胸腔镜辅助小切口行肺叶切除术（胸腔镜组）与84例常规开胸行肺叶切除术（开胸组）手术及术后并发症发生情况。结果胸腔镜组手术时间（144．77±23．75）min,与开胸组（152．25±19．96）min比较差异无统计学意义（k=-1．331,P=0．188）;胸腔镜组术后住院时间（10．03±2．13）d,明显短于开胸组（12．14±2．46）d（r=-3．650,P=0．001）;并发症的比较：术后漏气的发生率两组比较差异无统计学意义（r=0．021,P=0．886）;胸腔镜组术中出血量（193．71±44．66）ml,明显少于开胸组（228．57±41．96）ml（t=-3．161,P=0．002）;胸腔镜组术后第1天的引流量（234．29±44．97）ml,明显少于开胸组（272．86±40．72）ml（t=-3．526,P=0．001）;术后疼痛程度的比较两组差异有统计学意义（X2=35．080,P=0）;术后上肢活动是否受限两组比较差异有统计学意义（r=20．160,P=0）;胸腔镜组术后拔管时间（7．17±2．12）d,明显短于开胸组（9．00±2．41）d（t=-3．194,P=0．002）。结论电视胸腔镜辅助胸壁小切口肺叶切除术安全、可靠,与开胸手术比较,具有手术出血少、术后引流量少、术后疼痛轻、上肢活动不受限及术后胸管引流时间短等优点。     

胸腔镜与开胸肺叶切除术的比较

目的探讨胸腔镜下肺叶切除术的有效性、安全性。方法以我院2013年3月~2015年10月收治的82例肺部疾病患者作为实验研究对象,患者根据经济条件选择手术方式,41例胸腔镜下肺叶切除为A组,41例开胸肺叶切除为B组,比较2组患者术中出血量、手术时间、并发症等情况。结果 82例均顺利完成肺叶切除术。与B组相比,A组手术时间明显缩短[(207±65)min vs.(282±60)min,t=-5.429,P=0.000],出血量明显减少[(255±110)ml vs.(416±210)ml,t=-4.349,P=0.000],胸腔引流量明显少[(280.1±62.5)ml vs.(448.5±76.2)ml,t=-11.020,P=0.000],拔管时间明显缩短[(3.1±1.0)d vs.(5.2±1.5)d,t=-7.459,P=0.000],术后住院时间明显缩短[(9.7±2.2)d vs.(12.9±2.1)d,t=-6.737,P=0.000],2组淋巴结清扫数无显著差异[(14.2±8.2)枚vs.(13.1±5.2)枚,t=0.725,P=0.470]。A组并发症发生率17.1%(7/41),明显低于B组36.6%(15/41)(χ~2=3.976,P=0.046)。68例随访3~12个月,平均8个月,A组1例Ⅲa期肺癌术后10个月出现骨转移,其余患者未出现肿瘤转移,B组术后未发现转移。结论与开胸肺叶切除术比较,胸腔镜下肺叶切除手术时间、术中出血量、胸腔引流量、拔管时间、住院时间有明显优势,创伤小,恢复快,并发症少。     

小切口开胸与电视胸腔镜下儿童肺叶切除短期效果的病例对照研究

目的对比小切口开胸与电视胸腔镜下儿童肺叶切除的短期治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2011年6月至2016年6月上海市新华医院行肺叶切除术42例患儿的临床资料,其中男24例、女18例,年龄4个月~16岁,平均年龄(7.13±5.00)岁。按手术方法的不同分为胸腔镜组(n=22)和小切口组(n=20),比较两组患儿的年龄、体质量、手术时间、术中出血量、胸腔引流时间、术后住院时间和术后并发症。结果两组患儿年龄、体质量差异无统计学意义[(8.44±4.99)岁vs.(5.68±4.69)岁,t=1.84,P=0.07;(34.18±16.52)kg vs.(25.03±18.06)kg,t=1.72,P=0.09];胸腔镜组2例(9%)因胸腔粘连中转小切口手术,其余手术均顺利完成,两组间手术时间[(151.64±74.59)min vs.(136.40±50.36 min)min,t=0.77,P=0.45]、术中出血量[(43.41±45.91)ml vs.(79.50±131.00)ml,t=–1.21,P=0.23]、胸腔引流时间[(5.00±1.79)d vs.(4.90±2.36)d,t=0.23,P=0.82)]、术后住院时间[(8.41±3.11)d vs.(8.65±2.66)d,t=–0.27,P=0.79)]差异均无统计学意义;住院期间胸腔镜组出现1例肺部感染,经抗感染治疗后痊愈,其余患者顺利恢复,无肺不张、活动性出血、支气管胸膜瘘等术后并发症发生。结论小切口开胸与电视胸腔镜下儿童肺叶切除均安全有效,短期治疗效果相近,但胸腔镜手术切口相对较小,更加美观。     

腋下小切口与电视胸腔镜手术治疗自发性气胸的比较

目的比较腋下小切口与电视胸腔镜手术治疗自发性气胸的疗效。方法1999年4月～2004年4月对自发性气胸200例分别采用腋下小切口(腋下小切口组)和电视胸腔镜手术(胸腔镜组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后胸管留置时间、术后住院时间及手术费用。结果腋下小切口组与胸腔镜组手术时间分别为(64.0±5.3)min、(61.1±6.0)min,有统计学差异(t=3.322,P=0.001);术中出血量分别为(45.2±5.6)ml、(38.5±6.2)ml,有统计学差异(t=7.381,P=0.000);术后胸管留置时间分别为(2.2±0.8)d、(2.0±0.6)d,有统计学差异(t=7.895,P=0.000);术后住院时间分别为(4.6±0.8)d、(4.1±0.7)d,有统计学差异(t=4.513,P=0.000);手术费用分别为(1520±342)元、(4293±572)元,有统计学差异(t=-36.076,P=0.000)。2组术后胸片复查肺复张良好,无手术并发症。胸腔镜组1例气胸复发,腋下小切口组无复发,2组复发率无统计学差异(χ2=0.000,P=1.000)。结论腋下小切口与电视胸腔镜在治疗自发性气胸时疗效相当。腋下小切口治疗自发性气胸疗效确切,费用较低;电视胸腔镜治疗自发性气胸创伤小。     

改良Miccoli术式与直视下小切口行甲状腺双侧次全切除术治疗Graves病的比较

目的比较改良Miccoli术式与直视下小切口行甲状腺双侧次全切除术治疗Graves病的效果。方法将我院2012年1月~2013年11月107例Graves病按患者自愿原则分为:A组改良Miccoli术式(n=64),B组直视下小切口(n=43)。对2组的切口长度、出血量、手术时间、并发症、术后疼痛、术后住院时间、住院费用、病人对切口满意度等进行比较。结果 107例Graves病均顺利完成甲状腺双侧次全切除术。A组切口长(3.07±0.10)cm,明显小于B组(3.61±0.30)cm(t=-13.363,P=0.000);A组出血量(29.4±6.1)ml,明显少于B组(95.3±15.6)ml(t=-30.551,P=0.000);A组手术时间(83.2±7.5)min,明显短于B组(109.5±15.9)min(t=-11.485,P=0.000)。术后病理均证实为Graves病。A组VAS评分(1.8±0.7)分,明显低于B组(2.8±0.6)分(t=-7.663,P=0.000);A组住院时间(3.9±1.0)d,明显短于B组(4.8±0.7)d(t=-5.116,P=0.000);A组住院费用(8892.4±297.6)元,明显高于B组(7283.5±150.9)元(t=32.704,P=0.000)。2组均无甲亢危象、永久性声嘶及肢体抽搐等严重并发症。B组发生一过性声嘶和抽搐各1例,均经治疗后恢复;A组发生皮缘损伤3例,B组14例;2组并发症发生率有统计学差异(χ2=18.627,P=0.000)。随访情况:随访3~6个月,A组11例出现甲状腺功能减退,B组8例,无统计学差异(χ2=0.035,P=0.851);2组各有1例复发,均为年轻患者,无统计学差异(χ2=0.000,P=1.000);切口美观满意度调查评分A组(8.2±0.8)分,明显高于B组(7.2±1.1)分(t=5.443,P=0.000)。结论改良Miccoli术式与直视下小切口行双侧次全切除治疗Graves病的疗效无明显差异。改良Miccoli术式安全性和切口美观效果更优,直视下小切口手术不使用腔镜,节省了手术费用。     

优先处理支气管动脉在胸腔镜手术治疗支气管扩张症中的价值

目的探讨优先处理支气管动脉在胸腔镜手术治疗支气管扩张症中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析我院2009年6月~2014年6月完成的57例全胸腔镜下肺叶切除术治疗支气管扩张症的临床资料。分为2组:A组24例,对支气管动脉进行优先处理;B组33例,未优先处理支气管动脉。术中遇到特殊情况则中转开胸。比较2组手术时间、术中出血、术后引流液总量、带管时间、并发症和随访情况等。结果 A组手术时间(154.2±44.8)min,明显短于B组(191.4±55.3)min(t=-2.710,P=0.009);术中出血量(236.4±135.3)ml,明显少于B组(340.3±215.7)ml(t=-2.078,P=0.042);术后引流液总量(1342.6±132.7)ml,明显少于B组(1855.7±351.3)ml(t=-6.798,P=0.000)。2组中转开胸率分别为8.3%(2/24)、9.1%(3/33),无统计学差异(χ2=0.000,P=1.000);术后引流时间分别为(7.7±3.1)、(8.5±4.2)d,无统计学差异(t=-0.789,P=0.433);术后住院时间分别为(10.3±3.4)、(11.4±4.5)d,无统计学差异(t=-1.006,P=0.084);术后并发症发生率分别为8.3%(2/24)、12.1%(4/33),无统计学差异(χ~2=0.001,P=0.982)。围手术期均无死亡,2组患者平均随访20.6、28.3月,均无复发、死亡,无肺坏死、支气管胸膜漏、食管漏等严重并发症。2组患者改善症状有效率差异无统计学意义[95.5%(21/22)vs.92.9%(26/28),χ2=0.000,P=1.000],针对咯血症状,A组治疗效果明显优于B组[100.0%(14/14)vs.71.4%(15/21),Fisher检验,P=0.033]。结论在胸腔镜肺叶切除术治疗支气管扩张症中,优先处理支气管动脉安全、有效、可行,值得临床推广。     

胸腔镜肺段切除术治疗60岁以上ⅠA期非小细胞肺癌的近期疗效

目的探讨胸腔镜下肺段切除术治疗60岁以上早期非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)的近期疗效。方法回顾性分析2011年10月~2014年12月我科64例60岁以上ⅠA期NSCLC的临床资料,分别行胸腔镜下肺段切除术(肺段切除组,n=32)和胸腔镜下肺叶切除术(肺叶切除组,n=32),比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数目、术后引流管放置时间、住院时间、围术期并发症和随访情况。结果肺段切除组与肺叶切除组术中出血量中位数分别为100(20~900 ml)、150(50~500 ml)ml,无统计学差异(Z=-1.509,P=0.131);术后并发症发生率分别为6.3%(2/32)、9.4%(3/32),无统计学差异(χ~2=0.000,P=1.000);术后胸腔引流管留置时间分别为(5.4±1.2)、(5.5±1.1)d,无统计学差异(t=0.218,P=0.828);住院时间分别为(6.4±1.2)、(6.5±1.1)d,无统计学差异(t=0.218,P=0.828)。肺段切除组手术时间(136.8±65.2)min,明显短于肺叶切除组(189.2±74.2)min(t=2.999,P=0.004)。肺段切除组淋巴结切除中位数6.5枚(3~45枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数12.0枚(4~30枚)(Z=-4.750,P=0.000);肺段切除组切除N1淋巴结中位数3.0枚(2~9枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数5.0枚(2~11枚)(Z=-3.294,P=0.001);切除N2淋巴结中位数3.5枚(0~36枚),明显少于肺叶切除组中位数8.5枚(1~29枚)(Z=-4.814,P=0.000)。肺段切除组32例中位随访时间18个月(12~42个月),肺叶切除组32例中位随访时间16个月(12~19个月),均无复发和转移。结论胸腔镜下肺段切除术可以作为60岁以上老年ⅠA期NSCLC的治疗选择,近期效果不差于胸腔镜肺叶切除术。     

小切口电视胸腔镜辅助与传统开胸肺癌根治术的比较

目的探讨小切口电视胸腔镜辅助肺癌根治术的临床价值。方法2005年1月～2006年6月收治49例I、Ⅱ期非小细胞肺癌,22例在小切口(腋前线肋间6～8cm)辅助电视胸腔镜下行肺叶切除术及肺门纵隔淋巴结清扫(VATS组),27例在常规开胸手术下完成肺叶切除术及淋巴结清扫(传统开胸组),比较2种术式肺功能和C反应蛋白(C reactiveprotein,CRP)的变化。结果胸腔镜组2例为方便安全地处理肺门血管将小切口扩大至12～15cm。2组患者术后血清CRP浓度明显升高,第1天达到峰值,胸腔镜组CRP术后1d(56.1±10.9)mg/L,显著低于传统开胸组(73.8±15.1)mg/L(t=-4.603,P=0.000)。2组术后肺功能每分钟通气量相对值(minute ventilation volume,MV)、1秒用力呼气容积相对值(forced expiratory volume in one second,FEV1)下降,术后1周时胸腔镜组MV为(95.6±16.4)L,显著高于传统开胸组(81.9±12.7)L(t=3.296,P=0.002),胸腔镜组FEV1为(57.1±5.7)%,显著高于传统开胸组(51.4±6.9)%(t=3.105,P=0.003)。结论与常规开胸肺癌根治术相比,小切口电视胸腔镜辅助肺叶切除术适合于早中期肺癌,疗效确切,可明显减少病人的手术创伤,可以作为非小细胞型肺癌的一种常规的治疗手段。     

两种胸腔镜切除术式治疗老年Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌患者临床疗效观察

目的探讨胸腔镜肺叶与肺段切除术治疗老年Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌的临床疗效。方法老年Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌患者140例,以随机数字表法将140例患者分为A组(70例)和B组(70例),分别采用胸腔镜肺叶切除术和肺段切除术治疗,比较两组患者围手术期临床指标,手术前后肺功能指标和C-反应蛋白(CRP)水平,随访生存率。结果 B组患者手术时间、术中出血量、胸腔引流总量、胸腔引流时间及住院时间分别为(118.15±33.61)分钟、(59.25±10.61)ml、(641.56±135.17)ml、(3.42±0.77)天和(5.08±1.32)天,A组患者分别为(135.33±40.10)分钟、(83.33±14.15)ml、(783.89±180.61)ml、(4.38±0.94)天和(6.52±1.58)天,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);A组和B组患者淋巴结清扫个数分别为(12.67±2.64)枚和(12.38±2.58)枚,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);B组患者术后肺活量(FVC)与1秒钟用力呼吸容积(FEV1)水平均显著高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);同时B组患者术后CRP水平均显著低于A组和术前,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);B组患者1年生存率为94.29%,A组为c,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论与胸腔镜肺叶切除术比较,胸腔镜肺段切除术治疗老年Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌可降低手术创伤程度,加快机体康复进程,保护肺部通气功能,并有助于减轻炎症反应水平。     

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.