腹腔镜胃癌根治术后腹腔冲洗液CEA mRNA的变化和意义

目的探讨腹腔镜胃癌根治术对腹腔脱落癌细胞的影响。方法收集44例行腹腔镜胃癌根治术患者胃癌切除前后腹腔冲洗液,并以RT-PCR方法检测腹腔冲洗液CEA mRNA表达情况。结果腹腔镜胃癌根治术患者CEA mRNA表达胃癌未切除时阳性率为27.3%(12/44),切除后阳性率为36.4%(16/44),两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论腹腔镜胃癌根治术不增加腹腔胃癌细胞的脱落。     

腹腔镜检查结合RT-PCR在胃癌诊疗中的临床意义

目的：探讨进展期胃癌术前腹腔镜检查与RT—PCR检测腹腔灌洗液中游离癌细胞CEAmRNA的表达水平,在胃癌患者术后微转移及预后的临床意义。方法：对22例进展期胃癌患者术前行腹腔镜探查,灭菌生理盐水冲洗腹腔4～5次,收集脱落细胞．进行细胞学检查和RT—PCR检测CEAmRNA表达水平。结果：22例胃癌患者中,细胞形态学捡测31．8％（7／22）阳性,RT—PCR捡测54．5％（12／22）CEAmRNA阳性表达,二者阳性率有显著性差异（P〈0．05）。结论：诊断性腹腔镜检查、RT—PCR与PLC有效结合,可提高腹腔转移复发诊断的灵敏性和特异性,有助于对胃癌分期、淋巴转移和预后的综合判断,对胃癌的辅助治疗提供依据。     

腹腔镜手术对结肠癌患者腹腔脱落癌细胞及预后的影响

目的探讨腹腔镜手术对结肠癌患者腹腔脱落癌细胞和术后复发转移的影响。方法经病理诊断为结肠癌患者159例,按患者自愿的方法分成腹腔镜手术组（腹腔镜组）和开腹手术组（开腹组）。采用细胞学方法检测肿瘤切除前后腹腔脱落癌细胞,比较两组病例在肿瘤切除前后腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞阳性率、术后复发转移率和3年生存率。结果腹腔镜组与开腹组患者肿瘤切除前腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞阳性率分别为12．2％（9／74）和15．3％（13／85）,两组比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0．718）;肿瘤切除后则分别为20．3％（15／74）和30．6％（26／85）,两组比较,差异也无统计学意义（P=0．138）。术后随访4～45月,术后3年腹腔镜组与开腹组患者局部复发率分别为13．6％（8／59）和8-8％（6／68）（P=0．455）,远处转移率分别为11．9％（7／59）和17．6％（12／68）（P=0．416）,两组比较差异无统计学意义;3年生存率则分别为79．7％和80．0％（P=0．998）,差异亦无统计学意义。结论腹腔镜手术并未增加结肠癌患者术后复发转移的概率,术后3年生存率与开腹手术相当。     

结肠镜与腹腔镜联合切除结直肠癌对腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞的影响

目的探讨结肠镜与腹腔镜联合切除结直肠癌对腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞的影响。方法经病理诊断为结直肠癌42例，随机分成腹腔镜组（腹腔镜手术）和联合组（结肠镜与腹腔镜联合手术）。比较2组手术时间、肿瘤切除前后腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞阳性率、手术标本切缘残留肿瘤阳性率及术后并发症。结果联合组手术时间短于腹腔镜组[（160．5±12．6）min vs（201．2±18．4）min，t=-8．363，P=0．000]。两组肿瘤切除前腹腔脱落肿瘤细胞阳性率差异无显著性[9．5％（2／21）VS19．0％（4／21）,x^2=0．194，P=0．659]，切除后联合组明显低于腹腔镜组[14．3％（3／21）VS42．9％（9／21），x^2=4．200，P=0．040]。两组手术标本切缘均无残留肿瘤细胞。术后两组均痊愈出院，无切口感染、肺部感染。随访6—24个月，腹腔镜组1例腹部转移。结论结肠镜与腹腔镜联合切除结直肠癌可以减少腹腔肿瘤细胞的脱落，缩短手术时间。     

胃癌患者腹腔游离癌细胞的监测与腹腔灌注化疗

目的：探讨腹腔游离癌细胞的测定对术后温热灌注化疗的意义。方法：对我院102例胃癌患者在术中于探查前，关腹前和灌洗化疗后的腹腔液作游离癌细胞检查。结果：探查前游离癌细胞检出率为36．3％（37／102），关腹前游离癌细胞检出率为52．9％（54／102），腹腔热灌注化疗后有31例找到变性坏死的游离癌细胞，其有效率达57．4％（31／54），游离癌细胞检出阳性率与肿浸润深度，浆膜受侵面积及病理组织学类型有关。结论：胃癌患者腹腔内有游离癌细胞存在，且具有较高活性，手术过程中的创伤刺激可增加癌细胞的脱落，因此术中采取无瘤技术和大量生理盐水冲洗腹腔是必要的，腹腔热灌注化疗可有效杀伤癌细胞，所以对游离癌细胞阳性者术后应进行腹腔内温热灌注化疗。     

腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合脏器切除的临床分析

目的：探讨腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合脏器切除的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析南方医科大学南方医院普通外科2012年6月至2013年10月接受腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合脏器切除的11例患者临床资料,其中7例为腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合胰体尾脾切除,另4例为腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合脾切除。结果11例患者手术时间为（252．1±41．3） min,术中出血为（366．4±153．2） ml,住院时间为（13．3±2．6） d。全组病例总淋巴结转移率为41．9％（90／215）。5例术后出现并发症（45．45％,5／11）,均经保守治疗后痊愈。无死亡病例。结论腹腔镜辅助胃癌根治术联合脏器切除安全可行。     

腹腔镜胃癌手术前后腹腔冲洗液survivin的检测

目的:探讨腹腔镜胃癌根治术对腹腔癌细胞脱落的影响。方法:收集50例胃癌患者的腹腔冲洗液,采用流式细胞术检测胃癌患者腹腔镜手术前后腹腔冲洗液存活素(survivin)的表达情况,并采用薄层液基细胞制片术进行腹腔冲洗液细胞学检查(pleural lavage cytology,PLC)。结果:50例患者腹腔镜胃癌手术前腹腔冲洗液中survivin阳性表达率为58.0%(29/50),术后阳性率为66.0%(33/50),两者差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。手术前后PLC阳性率分别为22.0%(11/50)和28.0%(14/50)(P>0.05)。术前、术后PLC阳性患者survivin均为阳性。结论:腹腔镜胃癌根治手术未增加腹腔胃癌细胞的脱落。但由于实验样本数量较少,尚需进一步通过长期随访及多中心研究证实。     

黏着斑激酶的高表达与人胃癌侵袭和转移的关系

目的 探讨胃癌侵袭和转移过程中黏着斑激酶（FAK）的表达与其生物学行为的关系。方法 用免疫组化SABC法检测10例行胃癌根治术所收集的癌组织、癌旁组织、正常胃黏膜组织和胃区域淋巴结标本中FAK的表达情况。结果FAK表达强阳性率在胃癌组织中（78．0％）明显高于正常胃黏膜组织（10．0％）及癌旁组织（20．0％），P〈0．01，正常胃黏膜组织与癌旁组织中的表达差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。FAK表达强阳性率在淋巴结有转移和无转移患者中分别是68．8％（22／32）和33．3％（6／18），前者明显高于后者（P〈0．05）；在有转移的淋巴结中和无转移的淋巴结中分别是87．2％（136／156）和40．9％（18／44），前者明显高于后者（P〈0．01）；FAK表达强阳性率与胃癌浸润深度和分化程度有关，浸润深度越深，细胞分化越低，表达强阳性率越高（P〈0．05）；与Borrmann分型、肿瘤部位及大小无关（P〉0．05）。结论 FAK表达与胃癌发生、发展有关，FAK表达增高是胃癌细胞浸润和转移的重要原因之一，检测癌组织中FAK表达水平，有助于进一步了解胃癌的生物学行为，有利于治疗与预后判断。     

腹腔镜胃癌根治术后腹腔游离癌细胞的变化及意义

目的 对比研究腹腔镜与开腹胃癌根治术后腹腔游离癌细胞的变化,探讨腹腔镜胃癌根治术的安全性及可行性.方法 收集2006年4月至2008年6月间63例腹腔镜、61例开腹胃癌根治术患者术前、术后腹腔灌洗液,分别运用细胞学和荧光定量PCR方法 检测腹腔游离癌细胞的阳性率和癌胚抗原(CEA)mRNA的表达变化,观察胃浆膜受侵面积与腹腔游离癌细胞阳性率的关系.结果 腹腔镜组术后腹腔灌洗液游离癌细胞的阳性率为25.4%,与开腹组(29.5%)比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);腹腔镜组术后腹腔灌洗液CEA mRNA阳性率为41.3%,与开腹组(40.3%)比较差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05).腹腔镜组术前、术后腹腔游离癌细胞均为阳性的病例,其浆膜平均受侵面积为(16.2±2.2)cm2,而术前、术后游离癌细胞均为阴性的病例,其浆膜平均受侵面积为(5.3±0.8)cm2,腹腔游离癌细胞的阳性率与浆膜受侵面积呈正相关(R2=0.874,P=0.000).结论 腹腔镜胃癌根治术并不增加腹腔游离癌细胞的阳性检出率.     

胃癌细胞增殖与腹腔灌洗液中端粒酶活性及腹膜转移的相关性研究

目的 研究胃癌增殖细胞核抗原（proliferating cell nuclear antigen，PCNA）表达与腹腔灌洗液端粒酶活性及腹膜转移的相关性，并比较腹腔灌洗液中端粒酶活性和细胞学检测游离癌细胞预测腹膜转移的应用价值。方法 应用免疫组化SP法检测60例胃癌患者胃癌组织中PCNA表达，PCR—TRAP-ELISA法检测腹腔灌洗液中端粒酶活性，同时行腹腔灌洗液脱落细胞学（peritoneal lavage cytology．PLC）检测；并分析其与相关临床病理因素的关系。结果 胃癌患者腹腔灌洗液中端粒酶活性的阳性率为41．7％；与浆膜侵犯、组织学类型、浸润深度、浆膜受累面积及腹膜转移密切相关，并随着浸润深度及浆膜受累面积的增加而升高（P〈0．05）。PLC检测阳性率为25．0％；在伴肉眼可见腹膜转移灶（P1-3）者明显增高，也随着浸润深度及浆膜受累面积的增加而升高。两种方法检测的阳性率总体上差异无统计学意义。但在未分化型癌、pT1、伴肉眼可见腹膜转移灶（P1-3）者端粒酶活性阳性率明显高于PLC。PCNA增殖指数（PI）在腹腔灌洗液端粒酶活性表达阳性者明显高于表达阴性者，伴肉眼可见腹膜转移灶（P1-3）者明显高于无肉眼可见腹膜转移灶（P0）者，浆膜受侵者明显高于浆膜未受侵者（P均〈0．05）。结论 两种方法均适用于胃癌腹腔脱落癌细胞的诊断或腹膜转移的预测，端粒酶活性检测微量癌细胞的灵敏度优于PLC法检测；胃癌端粒酶活性与恶性增殖活性密切相关；胃癌高增殖活性是浆膜受侵及腹膜转移的重要原因。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion is associated with modest reduction of allogeneic transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery

Background: The efficacy of intraoperative salvage and washing of wound blood and the predictors of allogeneic red cell transfusions in prosthetic hip surgery are insufficiently known.
Methods: In 96 patients, undergoing primary or revision surgery, salvaged and washed red cells and, if necessary, allogeneic blood were used to keep haematocrit not lower than 33%. The bleeding of red cells during hospital stay was calculated from the red cell balance. The preoperative red cell reserve (millilitres of red cells in excess of a haematocrit of 33%) was estimated and the difference between this volume and the total bleeding of red cells was retrospectively used to classify patients with regard to the need for red cells. Stepwise regression analysis was used to define patient-related variables associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.
Results: Preoperative knowledge of the type of operation (primary, revision), the preoperative red cell reserve, and the body mass could predict roughly half of the need for banked blood (r²=0.45). Only one-third of the total bleeding of red cells was retransfused. For complete avoidance of allogeneic blood, autotransfusion was most effective in patients with a moderate need (0–4 u). However, 32% of such patients required allogeneic blood.
Conclusions: Autotransfusion has a limited efficacy to decrease the need for allogeneic blood, and other blood-saving methods should be added for this purpose. It is difficult to predict the need for allogeneic blood preoperatively.     

缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响

目的    观察缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响,探讨外泌体在缺氧致肾脏损伤中的作用及机制。 方法    （1）常氧（21% O₂）及缺氧（1% O₂）分别处理大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）48 h,收集细胞上清液并使用高速梯度离心法分离外泌体。采用透射电镜、纳米示踪分析、Western印迹、蛋白浓度定量鉴定并比较两组外泌体的基本特性。（2）在共培养实验中,以不同浓度（1、10、50、100、300 mg/L）的常氧外泌体、缺氧外泌体分别干预脂多糖（LPS）诱导的大鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞,使用实时荧光定量PCR与酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法分别检测巨噬细胞白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、诱导型氮氧化物合酶（iNOS）水平;使用Western印迹法检测巨噬细胞磷酸化（p）STAT/STAT及细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白1（SOCS1）的蛋白表达;最后,使用实时荧光定量PCR法检测常氧外泌体与缺氧外泌体中炎性反应相关微RNA（microRNA,miR）的表达差异。 结果    （1）离心得到的囊泡具有外泌体典型的结构,粒径小于150 nm,表达外泌体标志蛋白CD63,说明分离得到外泌体。缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌的外泌体形态、粒径分布比例无明显影响,但提高了外泌体的分泌量。（2）缺氧外泌体相比于常氧外泌体促进了LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS 的表达和分泌（均P＜0.01）,同时提高STAT的磷酸化水平并减少SOCS1的蛋白表达（均P＜0.01）;对炎性反应相关microRNA检测发现缺氧外泌体中miR-155、miR-27a表达量较常氧外泌体明显升高（P＜0.05）。 结论    缺氧可改变外泌体的生物学功能,表现为协同促进LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞的表型转化,这可能是慢性肾脏病微炎性反应状态持续的原因之一。     

In Vitro Function and Durability Assessment of a Novel Polyurethane Heart Valve Prosthesis

Abstract While flexible-leaflet, central-flow prosthetic heart valves promise relief from anticoagulation therapy, they continue to be restricted by inadequate durability. In consequence, a novel trileaflet valve, made entirely from polyurethane, has been developed. A batch of 6 consecutively manufactured polyurethane valves was subjected to hydrodynamic function and accelerated fatigue testing. Computerized data acquisition and control systems have been introduced to improve valve testing methodologies. In terms of hydrodynamic function, the polyurethane valve demonstrates transvalvular pressure gradients similar to those for a bioprosthetic valve (Carpentier-Edwards) and levels of retrograde flow significantly less than those for either the bioprosthetic valve or a bileaflet mechanical valve (St Jude Medical). The equivalent of 10 years of cycling without failure has been exceeded by all 6 polyurethane valves in accelerated fatigue tests with 2 valves remaining intact after 674 million cycles (equivalent to approximately 17 years) in continuing tests. Highspeed photography revealed considerable differences in leaflet motion between valves cycled at accelerated and physiological rates.     

Negative pressure ventilation vs. spontaneous assisted ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy: A controlled randomised trial

Background: Ventilation during interventional rigid bronchoscopy (IRB) under general anaesthesia (jet ventilation, positive pressure ventilation and spontaneous assisted ventilation) may offer some difficulties. This study compares the effectiveness during IRB of intermittent negative pressure ventilation (INPV) and spontaneous assisted ventilation (SAV). Methods: Thirty-eight patients submitted to IRB were randomised into two groups: SAV or INPV. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia; INPV patients were paralysed. Pre-and intra-operative arterial blood gases and O₂ flow through a rigid bronchoscope were assessed. The endoscopist applying a subjective score evaluated the operating conditions. Results: Patients of the INPV group, as compared to the SAV group, required a lower dosage of fentanyl (2.6 ± 1.8 (μg · kg^?1· h^?1 vs. 6.6 ± 4.8 μg · kg^?1· h^?1), a lower O₂ supply (3.3 ± 2.8 1/min vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 1/min), a shorter recovery time (5.4 ± 2.9 min vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 min) and no manually assisted ventilation (0 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 1.1 nd?/procedure). Intraoperative PaCO₂ was higher in the SAV (8.1 ± 1.3 kPa) than in the INPV group (5.0 ± 1.6 kPa) and intraoperative pH differed in the two groups (7.26 ± 0.05, SAV vs. 7.47 ± 0.08, INPV). Operating conditions, as assessed by a subjective score, were considered better with INPV than with SAV (4.9 vs. 4.3). Conclusions: As compared to SAV, INPV in paralysed patients during IRB reduces administration of opioids, shortens recovery time, prevents respiratory acidosis, excludes the need for manually assisted ventilation, reduces 02 need and affords optimal surgical conditions. INPV appears a safe, non-invasive and effective ventilatory management during IRB.