寰枢椎脱位手术后翻修的原因及策略

目的 :分析寰枢椎脱位手术后翻修的原因,探讨其策略。方法 :回顾性分析15例寰枢椎脱位手术后翻修患者,男11例,女4例,翻修时年龄15~68岁(46.60±14.95岁);两次手术相隔2~120个月(28.73±38.59个月)。根据影像资料及手术探查情况分析翻修原因。翻修手术中均行8~10kg颅骨牵引及后方松解;后方结构完整患者行后路固定,根据松解后复位情况决定是否选择前路松解术;1例后路减压患者行前路松解复位固定术。导航模板辅助置入寰枢椎螺钉;自体髂骨松质骨颗粒植骨。随访观察寰枢椎复位、螺钉位置、植骨融合及手术疗效。结果:翻修原因,减压或复位不足10例,内固定失败3例,植骨未融合3例(含植骨未融合致内固定失败1例)。15例翻修手术中,14例为后路固定手术,1例为前路固定手术。通过术中颅骨牵引及充分松解,13例获得解剖复位;2例因广泛骨性融合,无法牵引复位,切除齿状突后彻底减压。导航模板辅助下共置入寰枢椎螺钉42枚,均一次性置入;置钉准确率97.6%。随访3~36个月(16.0±4.2个月),所有病例骨性融合,融合时间为3~6个月(3.7±0.5个月);末次随访JOA评分为13.8±3.1分(11~16分),较术前评分8.1±2.3分(6~11分)明显提高,改善率为(64.0±21.2)%(45.4%~88.8%)。结论:寰枢椎脱位手术后翻修的原因为减压或复位不足、内固定失败以及植骨未融合。充分的术中松解、8~10kg的颅骨牵引、恰当的骨质切除减压有利于翻修术中寰枢椎的复位,导航模板辅助有利于提高置钉准确性。     

寰枢椎脱位后路植骨材料的选择与融合效果评价

目的评价寰枢椎脱位后路钉棒固定手术不同植骨材料的植骨融合效果。方法 2002年11月至2012年7月广州军区广州总医院在气管插管全麻下对468例可复性寰枢椎脱位患者施行寰枢椎后路钉棒固定技术,寰椎采用椎弓根螺钉、部分经椎弓根螺钉或侧块螺钉固定,枢椎行椎弓根螺钉、椎板螺钉、峡部螺钉或侧块螺钉固定,采用自体髂骨松质骨、异体松质骨或异体松质骨混合自体骨髓植骨,术后定期复查X线片、CT以了解植骨融合情况。结果所有患者顺利完成寰枢椎后路钉棒固定,术中未发生椎动脉、脊髓损伤,术后切口浅表感染2例,经清创换药后治愈,影像学检查示所有患者寰枢椎脱位复位满意。术后447例(自体骨405例、单纯异体骨27例、异体骨加自体骨髓15例)患者获得随访,随访时间3~72个月,平均随访时间39个月。临床症状均得到不同程度的改善,无螺钉、固定棒断裂。5例患者植骨未获融合(自体骨植骨2例、异体骨植骨3例),且伴有螺钉松动,其中1例患者未出现寰枢椎失稳,佩戴颈围继续随访;余4例行后路翻修大量自体髂骨松质骨植骨,最终获得融合。结论寰枢椎脱位首次手术和翻修手术应尽量采用自体骨植骨,不得已使用异体骨时最好加入自体骨髓以提高融合率。     

寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合治疗寰枢椎失稳

目的探讨经后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合技术治疗寰枢椎失稳的手术方法、疗效。方法采用后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉系统,固定、融合治疗32例寰枢椎失稳患者,术中在C型臂X线机辅助下行C1、C2置钉,复位固定,取自体髂骨行椎板间植骨。术后颈托固定3个月。结果 32例128枚螺钉成功置入,复位满意,术中未发生椎动脉和脊髓损伤。患者全部获327个月定期随访,螺钉位置良好,钉棒无松动、断裂,术后36个月均获植骨融合。术前JOA评分（8.6±2.8）分;术后3个月JOA评分（14.9±1.8）分,恢复率76%92%,平均83%。结论经后路寰枢椎椎弓根钉固定融合技术具有直视下置钉、短节段固定、固定牢靠、植骨融合率高等特点,有利于稳定寰枢关节及脊髓功能的恢复,是一种较为理想的治疗寰枢椎失稳的内固定术式。     

手术治疗枢椎齿状突骨折10例体会

目的观察寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定植骨治疗不稳定性枢椎齿状突骨折的临床疗效。方法对10例按A n-derson-D′A lonzon分型为Ⅱ型和不稳的Ⅲ型齿状突骨折患者行寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉系统固定、寰枢后间隙植骨术。结果术中无脊髓及神经根损伤、1例出现C2左侧椎动脉损伤,术中植钉后止血,术后无不适现象;10例寰枢椎骨折脱位完全复位,术后第3～6天（平均第4天）在颈托保护下离床活动;随访6～24个月,平均15个月,手术6个月后复查X线片、CT示所有寰枢后间隙植骨均融合,螺钉位置良好,无松动、断钉。结论寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定具有良好的力学性能,操作简单、操作安全性高,能为枢椎齿状突骨折提供可靠固定,为寰枢后间隙植骨融合提供保障,是齿状突骨折一种较好的治疗方法。     

椎弓根螺钉技术在学龄前儿童寰枢椎脱位治疗中的应用

目的探讨寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉技术在2~5岁学龄前儿童寰枢椎脱位手术治疗中的应用效果。方法 2008年9月—2015年8月采用颈椎后路椎弓根螺钉钉棒系统治疗寰枢椎脱位学龄前患儿15例,男10例,女5例;年龄24~60个月,平均39.8个月。患儿主要表现为颈部疼痛、活动受限,5例患儿有颈髓压迫症状,美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级C级2例,D级3例。术前常规行张口位和伸屈动力侧位X线、CT三维重建及MRI检查。麻醉后行颅骨牵引手法复位,对于可完全复位及部分复位的13例患儿,行俯卧位后路手术;对不能复位的2例患儿,先前路松解再翻身行后路手术。直视下置入寰枢椎螺钉,并完成复位及固定植骨融合。早期5例患儿行自体髂骨块植骨,后期8例患儿行异体骨植骨,另2例患儿未植骨。结果 15例患儿手术过程顺利,共置入54枚螺钉,其中寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉49枚,寰椎侧块螺钉3枚,枢椎棘突椎板螺钉2枚,未发生脊髓、神经根及椎动脉损伤。术中出血量30~150 m L,平均80 m L;手术时间80~200 min,平均110 min。所有患儿随访6~60个月,平均32.6个月。患儿术后3个月随访时均无明显颈部疼痛症状,无明显活动受限。5例术前神经功能异常患儿在术后6个月随访时均恢复至E级。自体髂骨植骨患儿寰枢椎融合时间为3~6个月,平均4.2个月;异体骨植骨患儿寰枢椎融合时间为6~9个月,平均7.3个月。结论对寰枢椎明显脱位的学龄前儿童可以考虑施行后路寰枢椎复位、固定植骨融合术,常规直径3.5 mm的椎弓根螺钉钉棒系统可以用于大多数2~5岁学龄前患儿寰枢椎固定。     

寰枢椎脱位后路螺钉固定方法的临床选择

目的 探讨寰枢椎脱位后路钉棒固定术中寰椎螺钉和枢椎螺钉固定方法 的临床选择.方法 对2002 年11 月至2011 年12 月广州军区广州总医院收治的228 例可复性和23 例难复性寰枢椎脱位患者,术前进行置钉可行性和复位可能性评估,针对性地选择寰椎和枢椎的后路螺钉固定方法,进行寰枢椎后路钉棒固定治疗.结果 251 例患者均行钉棒固定并获得满意复位.寰椎螺钉固定采用椎弓根螺钉403 枚、部分经椎弓根螺钉77 枚、侧块螺钉22 枚;枢椎螺钉固定采用椎弓根螺钉437 枚、椎板螺钉56 枚、侧块螺钉9 枚.术中未发生椎动脉、脊髓损伤.237 例患者获得随访,随访时间4～38 个月,平均随访时间13 个月.230 例患者获骨性融合;6例为纤维愈合,动力位片（均随访2 年以上）未见复发脱位;另1 例为假关节未融合并双侧枢椎椎弓根螺钉松动,行后路翻修手术治愈.结论 根据寰枢椎脱位的复位难易程度和个体解剖特点灵活选择寰椎和枢椎不同的后路螺钉固定方法,扩大了寰枢椎后路钉棒固定技术的适用范围,提高了手术安全性和成功率.     

寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗儿童寰枢椎脱位的初步报告

目的:探讨寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定手术治疗儿童寰枢椎脱位的可操作性和近期疗效。方法:2005年9月~2011年3月对16例儿童寰枢椎脱位患者采用寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定术治疗,男9例,女7例;年龄5～13岁,平均9.1岁。均有枕颈部疼痛、颈部僵硬;3例有高位颈脊髓病表现,ASIA分级:D级2例,C级1例。术前均行颈椎正侧位及过伸过屈位X线片、CT和MRI检查,均诊断为寰枢椎脱位,其中寰椎横韧带断裂1例,寰枢椎骨折脱位1例,先天性齿状突畸形12例,寰枢椎固定旋转半脱位2例;颈脊髓受压5例。寰椎后弓(椎弓根)高度2.5~3.8mm,平均3.0mm;寰齿前间隙6~14mm,平均9mm。术前常规行牵引1~2周复位,完全复位7例,部分复位5例,不能复位4例。术中采用"寰椎椎弓根显露置钉法",在直视下行C1、C2置钉,复位固定,植骨融合。随访患者症状和神经功能改善情况,定期行颈椎X线片及CT复查,了解内固定及植骨融合情况。结果:16例均行双侧寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定,手术过程顺利,64枚螺钉均成功置入,复位固定满意,无术中、术后神经和血管并发症。术中出血150~650ml,平均300ml;手术时间100~190min,平均130min。12例随访12~72个月,平均28.5个月,术后3~6个月寰枢椎均骨性融合;末次随访时,颈枕症状明显改善,3例术前有脊髓功能损害者均好转,2例术前ASIA分级D级者恢复到E级,1例术前ASIA分级C级者恢复到D级;未发现螺钉松动、断钉和寰枢椎再移位现象,未发现曲轴现象。结论:采用"寰椎椎弓根显露置钉法"行寰椎椎弓根螺钉内固定可操作性强,置钉安全性高;寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗儿童寰枢椎脱位的近期疗效满意。     

Magerl术治疗未获完全复位的寰枢椎脱位

目的：探讨Magerl术治疗未获完全复位的寰枢椎脱位的可行性及手术技巧。方法：2003年12月至2005年3月．对12例术前无固定神经定位体征、术中未获完全复位的寰枢椎不稳患者行后路经寰枢椎侧块关节UCSS空心螺钉固定（Maged术）、植骨融合术，对寰椎后弓完整的8例患者同期行后路寰枢椎钛缆固定术（Gauie术式）。通过随访并摄寰枢椎张口位和颈椎侧位X线平片，评估螺钉位置和植骨融合情况。结果：所有患者均完成双侧经关节螺钉固定，症状明显改善，无神经症状加重表现，无神经血管损伤等并发症发生。随访4～18个月（平均8个月），术后寰枢关节仍存在前脱位或（和）侧方脱位，但螺钉均通过寰枢椎侧块关节，所有置入螺钉位置准确，无寰枕关节活动受限。术后3-6个月均获骨性融合。结论：不能完全复位的寰枢关节脱位并不是Magerl术的绝对禁忌证，只要术前作好寰枢椎影像学检查并认真评估其可行性．术中采用“个体化”进钉方案，保证关节螺钉通道周围有充足的骨质，Magerl术仍是安全、可靠的。     

用微创理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳

目的探讨用微创理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳的方法及临床效果。方法采用后路椎弓根螺钉技术对23例寰枢椎不稳定的患者进行内固定。手术前均行颅骨牵引复位,术前先在X线片及CT上测定好进钉点以及角度、方向,选择螺钉、连接板的长度。寰椎进钉点选择在寰椎后结节中点旁开18～20mm与后弓下缘以上2mm的交点,螺钉内斜角度为0°,上斜角度为5°。枢椎进钉点为枢椎下关节突根部中点,螺钉角度上斜30°,内斜约10°,螺钉直径3．5mm,寰椎螺钉长28—32mm,枢椎螺钉长22—26mm。结果均达到解剖复位、术中未损伤脊髓和椎动脉,术中出血量82（68～96）ml,2例齿状突骨折出现过度复位,术中经重新调整后解剖复位。本组平均随访15（10—25）个月,所有患者均症状消失,植骨融合,无内固定松动、断裂。结论用微创的理念行后路椎弓根钉板内固定植骨融合术治疗寰枢椎不稳可提高手术的精确度并将手术创伤降到最低。     

经寰椎"椎弓根"螺钉内固定技术的临床应用

目的：探讨经寰椎“椎弓根”螺钉内固定技术的手术可操作性和临床疗效。方法：对42例寰枢椎脱位并有高位颈脊髓受压症状及体征的患者应用经寰椎“椎弓根”螺钉内固定技术治疗，术前均行X线、CT等影像学检查；术中在直视下行C1、C2置钉，复位固定，椎板后弓植骨。其中16例难复性寰枢椎脱位采用经口腔前路松解，一期后路经寰椎“椎弓根”螺钉复位固定融合。术后颈托固定3个月。结果：42例84枚螺钉均成功置入，复位固定满意。术后36例获3-42个月随访，平均18．6个月，患者均在3～6个月寰枢椎骨性融合，未发现螺钉松动、断钉和寰枢椎再移位现象。其中4枚螺钉穿入椎动脉孔内缘1mm，但无椎动脉损伤的临床表现。31例患者脊髓功能明显改善，5例好转。结论：经寰椎“椎弓根”螺钉内固定技术具有直视下置钉、短节段固定、术中复位、融合率高等特点，为寰枢椎脱位患者的治疗提供了一种较好的内固定术式。     

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.     

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.