氟比洛芬酯联合舒芬太尼用于心脏手术后静脉镇痛的研究

目的 比较心脏手术后患者自控静脉镇痛(PCIA)中氟比洛芬酯联合舒芬太尼与单纯舒芬太尼的镇痛效果及不良反应.方法 选择开胸心脏手术术后行PCIA患者38例,随机均分为两组.舒芬太尼组(S组)术后镇痛给予舒芬太尼250 μg/125ml;氟舒芬组(F组)术后镇痛给予舒芬太尼125μg+氟比洛芬酯150 mg/125 ml.两组PCIA泵的设置,维持量0.2 ml/h,单次负荷剂量0.8ml.锁定时间10 min.观察两组镇痛开始时及开始后4、8、24、48 h的疼痛评分、生命体征和不良反应发生率.结果 两组术后镇痛评分差异无统计学意义.F组药物不良反应发生率低于S组(P<0.05).结论 氟比洛芬酯联合舒芬太尼用于心脏手术后PCIA的镇痛效果与单纯舒芬太尼组相似,但不良反应明显降低.     

不同剂量纳布啡复合舒芬太尼用于腹腔镜全子宫切除术后患者自控静脉镇痛的效果

目的观察不同剂量纳布啡复合舒芬太尼在腹腔镜全子宫切除术后PCIA中的效果。方法选择本院择期行腹腔镜全子宫手术的患者120例,年龄40~60岁,体重45~70 kg,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,采用随机数字表法随机分为四组,每组30例。术后均采用PCIA,S组给予舒芬太尼2.0μg/kg+格拉司琼2 mg+生理盐水至120 ml,SN1、SN2、SN3组分别给予0.2、0.4和0.8mg/kg纳布啡+舒芬太尼2.0μg/kg+格拉司琼2 mg+生理盐水至120 ml。记录患者术后1、4、8、12、24、48 h Ramsay镇静评分、PCIA有效按压次数及补救镇痛和术后48 h内不良反应的发生情况。结果术后8、12、24、48 h,与S组比较,SN2组和SN3组镇痛泵有效按压次数明显减少,Ramsay镇静评分明显升高(P<0.05);与SN1组比较,SN2组和SN3组镇痛泵有效按压次数明显减少,Ramsay镇静评分明显升高(P<0.05);与SN2组比较,SN3组Ramsay镇静评分明显升高(P<0.05)。S组和SN1组补救镇痛率明显高于SN2组和SN3组(P<0.05)。术后48 h内SN2组和SN3组恶心、呕吐发生率明显低于S组和SN1组,SN3组嗜睡发生率明显高于SN2组(P<0.05)。结论纳布啡0.4mg/kg复合舒芬太尼2.0μg/kg用于腹腔镜全子宫镇痛效果满意,不良反应发生率低。     

氟比洛芬酯复合不同剂量舒芬太尼用于胃肠外科患者术后静脉自控镇痛效果比较

目的观察氟比洛芬酯复合不同剂量舒芬太尼在胃肠手术患者静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)中的效果和安全性。方法选择ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级择期行胃肠外科手术患者100例,术后行PCIA,背景剂量2 ml/h,按压剂量2 ml/次,负荷量2 ml,锁定时间15 min,药液量100 ml分别含舒芬太尼150μg(A组)、舒芬太尼50μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg(B组)、舒芬太尼100μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg(C组)、舒芬太尼150μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg(D组)。观察并记录术后即刻(T0)、2 h(T1)、4 h(T2)、12h(T3)、24 h(T4)患者镇痛评分(VAS)、Ramsay镇静评分、PCIA泵按压次数及不良反应。结果 C、D组在T2~T4时VAS评分和PCIA泵按压次数明显低于A、B组(P<0.05),T1~T3时B、C组Ramsay评分显著低于A、D组(P<0.05)。术后24 h内A、D组恶心的发生率明显高于B、C组(P<0.05)。结论氟比洛芬酯200 mg复合舒芬太尼100μg/ml静脉自控镇痛可为胃肠外科患者术后提供良好的镇痛效果且不良反应少。     

舒芬太尼与丁丙诺啡在口腔外科术后镇痛的比较

目的 比较等效剂量丁丙诺啡与舒芬太尼在口腔外科术后镇痛的效果.方法 60例ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级口腔外科术病人依病历号奇偶数分为舒芬太尼组(S)与丁丙诺啡组(B),每组30例.两组均采用静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)给药,S组舒芬太尼50μg,B组丁丙诺啡0.6 mg,总量100 ml,首次负荷剂量4 ml.术后5、10、20及40 h行VAS疼痛与Ramsay运动评分,记录PCA有效按压次数及不良反应发生率.结果 两组VAS疼痛评分、Ramsay运动评分及PCA有效按压次数差异均无统计学意义,而不良反应发生率B组显著高于S组(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 等效剂量舒芬太尼与丁丙诺啡用于口腔外科术后镇痛效果相当,但舒芬太尼不良反应发生率较低,更适合口腔外科术后镇痛使用.     

胃肠术后氟比洛酚酯复合不同剂量舒芬太尼静脉自控镇痛效果观察

目的观察胃肠术后氟比洛酚酯复合不同剂量舒芬太尼静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)效果和安全性。方法择期行胃肠手术的120例患者,均采用静脉全身麻醉,术后行PCIA。按照镇痛泵药液种类及舒芬太尼用药剂量的不同平均分为四组:A组舒芬太尼150μg。B组舒芬太尼50μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg。C组舒芬太尼100μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg。D组舒芬太尼150μg+氟比洛芬酯200 mg。观察并记录术后即刻(T0)、2 h(T1)、4 h(T2)、12 h(T3)、24 h(T4)患者的视觉模拟评分(VAS)、Ramsay镇静评分、PCIA泵按压次数及不良反应。结果 T2~T4时刻C、D组VAS评分和PCIA泵按压次数明显低于A、B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。T1~T3时B、C组Ramsay评分显著低于A、D组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后24 h内A、D组恶心的发生率明显高于B、C组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论氟比洛芬酯200 mg复合舒芬太尼100μg PCIA可为胃肠术后患者提供良好的镇痛效果且不良反应发生率较低。     

吗啡联合舒芬太尼PCIA在心脏瓣膜术后的镇痛效果

目的探讨吗啡联合舒芬太尼PCIA在心脏瓣膜手术患者术后镇痛的效果。方法选择90例行心脏瓣膜手术的患者,随机均分为三组,分别给予不同方式镇痛:S组术后给予常规舒芬太尼PCIA镇痛;M组停机后,每隔20分钟给予吗啡2mg,总量8mg,术后给予舒芬太尼PCIA镇痛;MS组给予吗啡0.3mg/h持续泵注,联合舒芬太尼PCIA镇痛。观察术后6、9、12、24、36、48hVAS镇痛评分、Ramsay镇静评分、术后48h舒芬太尼用量和不良反应情况。结果术后48h舒芬太尼用量M组明显少于S组和MS组(P0.01)。术后6、9、12、24、36hM组患者VAS评分明显低于S组和MS组(P0.01)。术后9、12、24、36hM组和MS组Ramsay评分明显高于S组(P0.01)。MS组呕吐发生率明显高于M组和S组(P0.05)。结论吗啡联合舒芬太尼PCIA用于心脏瓣膜手术后镇痛,改善患者镇静镇痛评分,减少镇痛药物消耗量,且不增加术后不良反应发生率。     

右美托咪定复合不同剂量舒芬太尼对脊柱手术患者术后镇痛的影响

目的观察右美托咪定复合不同剂量舒芬太尼对脊柱手术患者术后镇痛的影响。方法择期行脊柱手术患者60例,年龄18~70岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机均分为三组,术后镇痛分别给予舒芬太尼3μg/kg(S1组)、右美托咪定1.5μg/kg+舒芬太尼2μg/kg组(S2组)和右美托咪定1.5μg/kg+舒芬太尼1μg/kg组(S3组)。三组麻醉诱导:静注咪达唑仑0.05 mg/kg、依托咪酯0.3mg/kg、舒芬太尼0.8μg/kg,于手术结束前30 min连接静脉镇痛泵行患者自控静脉镇痛(patientcontrolled intravenous analgesia,PCIA),背景输注流速3 ml/h,单次追加药量0.5 ml,锁定时间15min,总容量150ml。分别记录三组患者术后2h(T0)、4h(T1)、8h(T2)、12h(T3)、24h(T4)、48h(T5)的VAS疼痛评分、Ramsay镇静评分和术后不良反应的情况。结果 T1~T5时S2组和S3组VAS评分均明显低于S1组(P0.05);三组Ramsay镇静评分、恶心、呕吐、嗜睡、心动过缓等不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义。结论复合1.5μg/kg右美托咪定用于脊柱骨科手术术后镇痛可显著减少舒芬太尼的用量,同时降低其恶心呕吐等不良反应的发生率且无心动过缓和嗜睡发生。     

舒芬太尼和芬太尼在肝炎产妇剖宫产术后静脉自控镇痛中的比较

目的 比较舒芬太尼和芬太尼在肝炎产妇剖宫产术后静脉自控镇痛(FCIA)中的效果与安全性.方法 120例择期行剖宫产术肝炎产妇,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为舒芬太尼组(S组)和芬太尼组(F组),术后采用PCIA.S组舒芬太尼2μg/kg+阿扎司琼10mg+生理盐水至100 ml;F组芬太尼20 μg/kg+阿扎司琼10 mg+生理盐水至100 ml.记录术后4、8、12、24、48h的VAS镇痛评分、Ramsay镇静评分、BCS舒适度评分;术前及术后第3天的肝功能指标;术后48h内恶心、呕吐、皮肤瘙痒、呼吸抑制等不良反应发生率.结果 术后4、8、12、24hS组VAS评分明显低于F组(P＜0.05).术后4、8、12hS组Ramsay评分、BCS评分显著高于F组(P＜0.05).术后48h内S组恶心、呕吐发生率明显低于F组(P＜0.05);两组患者术后第3天的肝功能与术前差异无统计学意义.结论 舒芬太尼镇痛作用优于芬太尼,不良反应轻,对肝炎产妇的肝功能影响不大,可以安全地应用于肝炎产妇剖宫产术后的PCIA.     

氢吗啡酮复合舒芬太尼在骨科手术后静脉自控镇痛中的效果及安全性

目的探讨氢吗啡酮复合舒芬太尼在骨科手术后静脉自控镇痛(PCIA)中的效果及安全性。方法将100例接受骨科手术的患者随机分为复合组(n=50)和对照组(n=50)。术后均采用PCIA,镇痛时间均为24h。复合组:氢吗啡酮2 mg+舒芬太尼50μg;对照组:舒芬太尼50μg。比较两组术后不同时间的镇痛及镇静效果、PCIA使用情况、不良反应发生率。结果复合组术后2、12、24 h疼痛VAS评分均低于对照组(P0.05);术后48 h疼痛VAS评分及不同时间Ramsay评分两组之间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。与对照组比较,复合组术后24 h PCIA泵自动进药量、舒芬太尼补充用量明显降低,按压次数、实际有效进药次数也明显减少(P0.05)。两组不良反应发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论氢吗啡酮复合舒芬太尼在骨科手术术后PCIA对患者具有良好的镇痛、镇静效果,可减少麻醉药物用量,且不增加并发症发生风险。     

地佐辛用于老年患者术后自控静脉镇痛的临床研究

目的研究地佐辛用于骨科手术老年患者术后自控静脉镇痛(PCIA)的临床疗效。方法 80例老年骨科手术患者,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,随机均分为地佐辛组(D组)和舒芬太尼组(S组)。D组选用地佐辛40mg+生理盐水至100ml;S组选用舒芬太尼100μg+生理盐水至100ml。均采用PCA泵(100ml)以LCP模式(负荷剂量3ml+持续剂量2ml/h+PCA每次0.5ml)进行镇痛。观察术后4、8、20、24和48h患者VAS评分、Ramsay镇静评分,记录术后48h内患者有效PCA按压次数。结果综合镇痛质量,D组与S组差异无统计学意义;D组恶心、呕吐、皮肤瘙痒、嗜睡、呼吸抑制、低血压等发生率明显低于S组(P<0.01)。结论地佐辛、舒芬太尼PCIA用于老年骨科手术患者术后镇痛均可获得满意的效果,地佐辛较舒芬太尼的不良反应少,似乎适合老年骨科手术患者术后自控静脉镇痛。     

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.     

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.     

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.