胸腔镜与开胸手术治疗先天性心脏病的疗效比较

目的比较胸腔镜与开胸手术治疗先天性心脏病的疗效. 方法将62例先天性心脏病,根据患者的手术选择意愿分为2组.胸腔镜组24例,采用体外循环技术,胸腔镜下行房间隔缺损修补术8例,室间隔缺损修补术16例;开胸组38例,直视下行房间隔缺损修补术14例,室间隔缺损修补术24例. 结果 2组均无死亡.2组体外循环时间[(74±28)min vs.(71±24)min]、升主动脉阻闭时间[(29±13)min vs.(28±12)min]、术后呼吸机辅助时间[(3.2±1.1)h vs.(3.3±1.1)h]无显著性差异(t = 0.449、0.309、-0.349;P= 0.655、0.758、0.729 ).2组术后并发症发生率无显著差异(χ2=2.646,P=0.104).与开胸组比较,胸腔镜组术后胸腔引流量明显减少[(32±18) ml vs (66±28)ml;t=-5.290,P=0.000],术后住院时间明显缩短[(6.1±1.2)d vs. (7.6±2.2)d;t=-3.059,P=0.003]. 结论胸腔镜手术治疗先天性心脏病创伤小,恢复快,美容效果好,安全可靠.     

目标性后腹腔镜与常规后腹腔镜肾上腺切除术的比较

目的 目标性后腹腔镜与常规后腹腔镜肾上腺切除术的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析我院2015年7月～2022年12月手术治疗135例肾上腺良性肿瘤的临床资料，其中目标性后腹腔肾上腺切除术65例(目标组),常规后腹腔镜肾上腺切除术70例(常规组),比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度、术后引流量、术后引流时间、术后住院时间、术后疼痛语言等级评定量表(Verbal Rating Scale, VRS)。结果 2组手术均顺利完成，无中转开放手术。目标组术中出血量[(29.4±16.6)ml vs.(40.1±17.4)ml,t=-3.653,P=0.000]、手术切口长度[(2.7±1.0)cm vs.(3.5±0.6)cm,t=-5.323,P=0.000]、术后引流量[(34.2±18.4)ml vs.(42.1±18.7)ml,t=-2.494,P=0.014]、术后疼痛VRS评分[(1.9±0.7)分vs.(2.2±0.7)分，t=-2.748,P=0.006]和术后住院时间[(4.5±0.9)d vs.(5.0±1.1)d,t=-3.257,P=0.001]显著优于常规组，手术时间明显...     

单孔胸腔镜与常规开胸手术治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期脓胸的效果观察

目的探讨单孔胸腔镜治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期脓胸的可行性和安全性。方法回顾性分析我院2014年1月~2016年12月96例Ⅱ、Ⅲ期脓胸资料,其中单孔胸腔镜(uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,UVATS)脓胸纤维板剥除术51例,包括Ⅱ期19例和Ⅲ期32例;开胸纤维板剥除术(open decortication,OD)45例,包括Ⅱ期23例,Ⅲ期22例。分别比较Ⅱ、Ⅲ期脓胸的2组手术时间、手术出血量、胸管拔除时间、术后住院时间、术后第4天疼痛视觉模拟评分(Visual Analogue Scales,VAS)、术后漏气5天发生率、切口感染率、术后心房纤颤和肺不张发生率。结果Ⅱ期脓胸中,与OD组比较,UVATS组手术时间短[(118.3±30.7)min vs.(160.0±40.8)min,t=-3.592,P=0.001],术中出血少[(220.0±60.0)ml vs.(280.6±100.3)ml,t=-2.274,P=0.029],胸管拔除早[(7.6±2.5)d vs.(10.7±4.5)d,t=-2.640,P=0.012],术后住院时间短[(8.2±1.5)d vs.(11.3±2.3)d,t=-4.864,P=0.000],疼痛VAS评分低[(2.3±1.5)分vs.(4.5±1.3)分,t=-4.973,P=0.000],2组术后持续漏气、切口感染、心房纤颤和肺不张发生率无统计学差异(P0.05)。Ⅲ期脓胸中,UVATS组术中出血少[(250.4±80.4)ml vs.(310.3±50.1)ml,t=-3.264,P=0.002],胸管拔除早[(10.6±2.5)d vs.(13.7±3.7)d,t=-3.769,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(11.8±3.2)d vs.(14.2±4.1)d,t=-2.483,P=0.016],疼痛VAS评分低[(2.8±0.9)分vs.(4.9±1.4)分,t=-6.869,P=0.000],术后持续漏气少[3.1%(1/32)vs.24.0%(6/25),χ~2=3.905,P=0.048],切口感染少[0%(0/32)vs.20.0%(5/25),P=0.013],肺不张少[3.1%(1/32)vs.24.0%(6/25),χ~2=3.905,P=0.048],2组手术时间无统计学差异(P0.05)。Ⅲ期脓胸UVATS组2例中转开胸,OD组1例术后2个月后复发,均无死亡。结论与常规开胸纤维板剥除术比较,总体上UVATS治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期脓胸安全、有效,可以达到与开胸手术同样的效果。     

瘢痕隐藏式与传统腹腔镜阑尾切除术的对比研究

目的探讨瘢痕隐藏式腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)的应用价值。方法回顾性分析2011年7月~2016年6月107例瘢痕隐藏式LA(瘢痕隐藏组)和134例传统LA(传统组)的临床资料,比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后排气时间、疼痛评分、术后并发症、术后住院时间、美容评分。结果 2组患者均手术成功,无中转开放。瘢痕隐藏组术后并发症1例(切口感染1例),传统组术后并发症2例(切口感染1例,切口脂肪液化1例)。瘢痕隐藏组与传统组手术时间[(48.0±15.9)min vs.(45.2±11.5)min,t=1.585,P=0.114]、术中出血量[(12.9±8.4)ml vs.(14.0±10.7)ml,t=-0.870,P=0.385]、术后排气时间[(1.3±0.7)d vs.(1.3±0.5)d,t=0.000,P=1.000]、疼痛评分[(4.9±1.2)分vs.(5.2±1.5)分,t=-1.683,P=0.094]、术后并发症发生率[0.9%vs.1.5%,χ~2=0.000,P=1.000]、术后住院时间[(3.2±1.1)d vs.(3.5±1.4)d,t=-1.814,P=0.071]差异均无显著性,瘢痕隐藏组美容评分明显高于传统组[(4.4±0.6)分vs.(4.0±0.9)分,t=3.949,P=0.000]。结论瘢痕隐藏式腹腔镜阑尾切除术治疗急性阑尾炎安全可行,美容效果极佳。     

神经补片在去骨瓣减压术中的作用

目的探讨神经补片在去骨瓣减压术中的作用。方法回顾性研究,治疗组的78例患者在标准去骨瓣减压时使用神经补片修补硬脑膜,对照组的36例患者在标准去骨瓣减压时使用自体筋膜修补硬脑膜。术后对比两组患者的癫痫发生率;在二期的修补治疗中对比两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量及硬脑膜破损率。结果治疗组和对照组的癫痫发生率分别为6.4%和22.2%,差异显著(χ2=6.095,P=0.014),在二期的颅骨缺损修补中,治疗组和对照组的手术时间分别为(121.9±18.6)min vs.(156.1±14.6)min,出血量分别为(108.1±42.3)ml vs.(181.9±46.5)ml,硬脑膜破损率为3.8%vs.25%;差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论在标准去骨瓣减压时使用神经补片修补硬脑膜能降低患者术后的癫痫发生率,同时有利于患者二期进行的颅骨缺损修补手术,能减少修补手术中的出血量及手术时间,减少副损伤。     

全胸腔镜与开胸手术治疗肺隔离症的疗效对比

目的探讨全胸腔镜与开胸手术治疗肺隔离症(pulmonary sequestration,PS)的疗效。方法回顾性分析我院2003年1月~2016年3月手术治疗的48例肺隔离症资料,根据患者经济条件,行全胸腔镜手术18例,开胸手术30例。行肺叶切除或隔离肺切除术。比较2组的术中出血量、术后当日胸腔引流量、术后镇痛时间、胸腔引流时间及术后住院时间。结果与开胸组比较,全胸腔镜组术中出血少[(56.1±50.4)ml vs.(120.0±54.2)ml,t=-3.813,P=0.000],术后当日胸腔引流量少[(160.0±56.0)ml vs.(280.0±65.0)ml,t=-6.100,P=0.000],术后镇痛时间短[(2.4±1.2)d vs.(7.6±1.9)d,t=-9.650,P=0.000],胸腔引流时间短[(2.8±1.0)d vs.(5.7±1.5)d,t=-6.755,P=0.000],术后住院时间短[(6.5±2.6)d vs.(10.1±2.8)d,t=-4.160,P=0.000]。2组手术时间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后发生肺部感染、心律失常、肺不张全胸腔镜组分别为1、0、1例,开胸组为3、2、1例,2组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论全胸腔镜手术治疗肺隔离症较传统开胸手术创伤小,术中出血少,疼痛轻,恢复快,住院时间短,是一种可靠安全的手术方式。     

肥胖对腹腔镜右半结肠癌完整结肠系膜切除疗效的影响

目的探讨肥胖对腹腔镜右半结肠癌完整结肠系膜切除(complete mesocolic excision,CME)手术和预后的影响。方法回顾性分析我院2012年2月~2016年1月96例腹腔镜右半结肠癌CME手术的临床资料,其中肥胖组27例(BMI≥28),非肥胖组69例(BMI28),比较2组手术指标和术后生存情况。结果与非肥胖组比较,肥胖组手术时间长[(151.5±15.9)min vs.(142.6±19.3)min,t=2.123,P=0.036],术中出血多[(90.7±55.5)ml vs.(66.7±33.9)ml,t=2.583,P=0.011],术后排气晚[(3.1±1.0)d vs.(2.5±1.1)d,t=2.238,P=0.028],术后住院时间长[(8.8±3.3)d vs.(7.6±2.3)d,t=2.048,P=0.043],术后并发症发生率高[37.0%(10/27)vs.15.9%(11/69),χ~2=5.053,P=0.025],2组中转开腹率无显著性差异[7.4%(2/27)vs.1.4%(1/69),Fisher检验,P=0.190]。2组淋巴结清扫数目[(21.0±4.0)枚vs.(21.6±4.1)枚,t=-0.732,P=0.466],淋巴结转移率[44.4%(12/27)vs.49.3%(34/69),χ~2=0.181,P=0.670],阳性淋巴结数[(4.3±2.2)枚vs.(4.4±2.3)枚,t=-0.063,P=0.950],肿瘤TNM分期(χ~2=0.594,P=0.743)均无显著性差异。2组生存曲线无显著性差异(log-rankχ~2=0.398,P=0.528)。结论肥胖增加了腹腔镜右半结肠癌CME手术操作的难度,术后恢复慢,但对患者术后生存无明显影响。     

腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎加脐正中襞修补手术在小儿腹股沟斜疝中的应用

目的探讨腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎加脐正中襞修补手术在小儿腹股沟斜疝中的应用价值。方法 2013年8月~2014年8月对小儿腹股沟斜疝322例行腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎术,不同术者采取不同手术方案,其中联合脐正中襞修补168例(A组),未联合154例(B组),对2组的临床资料进行比较分析。结果发现对侧隐匿疝A组21例,B组16例,均同期处理。2组在手术时间[(26.9±7.6)min vs.(25.9±8.1)min,t=1.097,P=0.273],术后疼痛视觉模拟评分[(22.6±8.0)分vs.(22.4±8.0)分,t=0.179,P=0.858],术后住院时间[(2.9±1.3)d vs.(2.8±1.6)d,t=0.502,P=0.616],术后并发症发生率[2.4%(4/168)vs.4.5%(7/154),χ~2=1.141,P=0.285]方面均无统计学差异。术后随访1年,A组未见复发,B组8例术侧复发,A组复发率低于B组[0(0/168)vs.5.2%(8/154),P=0.002]。结论腹腔镜加脐正中襞自体组织修补手术能有效降低小儿腹股沟斜疝的复发率,值得临床推广。     

2种径路胸腔镜全胸腺切除术的对比研究

目的比较经右胸与左胸2种入路胸腔镜全胸腺切除术的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2011年1月～2017年12月33例胸腔镜全胸腺切除术,其中经右胸入路18例(右胸组),经左胸入路15例(左胸组),比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术后胸管留置时间、术后住院时间以及并发症发生率。结果 2组手术顺利,无中转开放手术,无围术期死亡。右胸组和左胸组手术时间[(109.7±32.5) min vs.(105.3±20.5) min,t=0.472,P=0.641]、中位术中出血量[10.0 ml(10～100ml) vs.10.0 ml(5～50 ml),Z=-0.505,P=0.656]、术后胸管留置时间[(4.7±1.7) d vs.(5.9±2.3) d,t=-1.742,P=0.091]、术后住院时间[(7.4±2.1) d vs.(7.5±2.3) d,t=-0.118,P=0.907]和并发症(2例vs.1例,Fisher精确概率法,P=1.000)均无显著差异。结论经右胸和左胸入路行胸腔镜全胸腺切除术安全可行,手术效果相当,术者可以依据个人的操作习惯及病灶的位置合理选择手术路径。     

微创Ivor-Lewis食管切除术与Sweet手术治疗Siewert Ⅱ型食管胃结合部腺癌的前瞻性对比研究

目的探讨微创Ivor-Lewis食管切除术(minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy,MI-ILE)与Sweet手术治疗SiewertⅡ型食管胃结合部腺癌(adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction,AEG)的疗效。方法选择2017年12月～2019年3月SiewertⅡ型AEG 82例,按照前瞻性非随机方法分为2组,行MI-ILE手术41例,Sweet手术41例,2组术前一般资料差异无显著性(P0.05)。比较2组手术指标、术后并发症及短期生存和复发率。结果 MI-ILE组手术时间长于Sweet组[(244.0±39.5)min vs.(186.9±24.8)min,t=7.840,P=0.000],但术中出血量少[(88.9±34.1)ml vs.(107.7±42.4)ml,t=-2.211,P=0.030],术后第1天胸腔引流量少[(205.9±73.3)ml vs.(287.7±126.3)ml,t=-3.587,P=0.001],胸腔引流时间短[(6.2±2.2)d vs.(8.8±2.8)d,t=-4.666,P=0.000],术后排气早[(3.0±1.0)d vs.(3.7±1.3)d,t=-2.739,P=0.008],术后住院时间短[(9.2±3.2)d vs.(11.2±2.6)d,t=-2.982,P=0.004]。MI-ILE组清扫淋巴结(28.6±10.0)枚,其中胸腔清扫(7.2±4.4)枚,腹腔清扫(21.4±8.9)枚,均高于Sweet组的(22.2±7.3)、(4.8±4.0)、(17.4±7.3)枚(P均0.05)。2组胸腔、腹腔淋巴结转移数目差异无显著性(P0.05)。随访1年,2组均无死亡;MI-ILE复发1例(2.5%),Sweet组复发3例(7.3%)(χ~2=1.051,P=0.305)。结论 MI-ILE治疗SiewertⅡ型AEG安全、可行,与Sweet手术比较,不增加风险,近期疗效满意。     

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.     

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.     

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.