三维重建技术在上胸椎和颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入的临床应用

目的通过应用三维重建技术辅助椎弓根螺钉的植入,评价其在上胸椎和颈椎置钉中的准确性和安全性。方法 2013年1月至2013年11月,对12例需要行上胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入手术的患者术前通过Mimics三维重建图像设计进钉通道并获取相关参数,术中辅助植入上胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉共50枚,术后CT扫描评价螺钉位置,记录有无与螺钉植入的相关并发症。结果通过Mimics三维重建植入的50枚椎弓根螺钉,47枚完全在椎弓根内,3枚穿破椎弓根壁,椎弓根穿破率为6%,植钉准确率为94%,所有穿破椎弓根壁的螺钉的穿出距离均小于2 mm,螺钉位置可接受率为100%。无一例出现螺钉植入有关的神经、血管损伤等并发症。结论 Mimics三维重建技术辅助上胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入的置钉准确性高、安全,且明显缩短手术时间。     

个体化选择脊柱侧凸患者胸椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点的研究

目的:探讨个体化选择脊柱侧凸患者胸椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点对置钉准确性的影响.方法:2006年3月至2008年6月手术治疗脊柱侧凸患者57例,其中青少年特发性脊柱侧凸44例,先天性脊柱侧凸12例,马凡综合征1例.根据患者术前CT设计拟固定胸椎的椎弓根螺钉进钉点并用于指导术中的进钉点选择,术后根据螺钉是否突破椎弓根的皮质壁来判断置钉准确性.结果:全部患者共置入椎弓根螺钉591枚,胸椎417枚,腰椎174枚,术后530枚螺钉的轴线完全位于椎弓根皮质内,准确率为89.7%, 其中胸椎置钉准确率为86.8%(362,417).61枚螺钉的轴线突破椎弓根皮质壁,胸椎55枚,腰椎6枚.55枚偏置的胸椎椎弓根螺钉中52枚螺钉的实际进钉点与术前设计一致,其中19枚钉尖位于椎体内;3枚螺钉为术中实际进钉点选择失误,螺钉轴线突破椎弓根皮质壁的距离均不超过4mm.无脊髓、大血管及脏器损伤等严重并发症发生.结论:个体化选择胸椎椎弓根螺钉进钉点可提高脊柱侧凸患者胸椎置钉的准确率,减少术中进钉点选择失误所致的并发症.     

三维CT导航辅助胸椎椎弓根螺钉的植入

目的探讨三维CT导航在胸椎椎弓根螺钉植入手术中的应用价值。方法24例行CT导航下椎弓根螺钉固定术，其中胸椎骨折14例，胸椎肿瘤6例，脊柱侧弯4例。向导航系统输入CT资料，选择配准方式为点匹配法，配准成功后，用导航棒预先设置螺钉的最佳位置、直径和长度，按导航计划立体、动态地植入螺钉，术后进行CT扫描，按Rampersaud分类法评估螺钉的位置。结果导航下成功对24例共植入144枚椎弓根螺钉。按Rampersaud分类法：A级136枚（94．4％），B级6枚，C级1枚，D级1枚。术后无神经、脊髓损伤。22例平均随访8个月（6～14个月），复查X线片和CT，无螺钉松动和断裂钉，无迟发性脊髓损伤。结论三维CT导航系统可以准确引导胸椎椎弓根螺钉的植入。     

CT三维重建立体导航引导技术在胸椎弓根钉置入手术中的应用

目的探讨术前CT三维重建立体导航引导技术在胸椎弓根钉置入手术中的应用方法和临床意义。方法2003年5月-2006年5月采用CT三维重建导航对2t例（122枚）胸椎弓根钉置入手术进行立体引导，其中上胸椎38枚，中下胸椎84枚。男13例，女8例；年龄为13—76岁，平均43岁。术中使用C形臂X线机拍摄正侧位X线片，术后行CT扫描以了解椎弓根钉位置情况。结果术后CT椎弓根位置扫描显示：A级109枚（89．3％）B级6枚（4．9％）；C级3枚（2．5％）；D级4枚（3．3％）。结论术前CT三维重建立体导航引导技术使椎弓根钉按预期的路径精确置入，尤其提高了具有挑战性的胸椎椎弓钉置入的安全性和准确性。     

对徒手置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉的安全性评价

目的：评价徒手置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉的安全性并探讨其置钉方法.方法：372例患者采用徒手方法置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉,记录置入操作中和术后并发症,其中37例患者术后行CT断层扫描检查判断螺钉的位置,记录所有穿透骨皮质螺钉的数目和距离.结果：共徒手置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉2261枚,平均每例患者置入螺钉6.08枚,术中6例次置钉过程中出现脑脊液从钉道中流出,术中和术后未出现神经、血管和内脏损伤等并发症.37例患者术后行CT扫描判断螺钉位置,405枚螺钉中124枚（30.62%）穿透骨皮质,1枚（0.02%）穿透椎弓根内侧壁超过4mm.结论：徒手置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉穿透骨皮质的发生率较高,应该根据每个椎体旋转、倾斜等差异个体化确定置钉位置和方向,操作仔细认真,保证准确、安全、可靠地置入胸椎椎弓根螺钉.     

3D打印个体化导航模板在胸椎和颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入的临床应用

目的 研究数字化(3D)打印技术的个性化导航模板设计在胸椎和颈椎手术个性化置钉应用的准确性和安全性。方法 2014年7月至2014年11月,对7例需要行胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入手术的患者术前通过CT扫描、Mimics软件三维重建建立三维仿真模型。并使用Geomagic软件设计最佳的内固定钉道,然后根据钉道设计导航模板,用3D打印机打印导航模板,用于手术时辅助置钉;术中辅助植入胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉共24枚,术后CT扫描评价螺钉位置,记录有无与螺钉植入的相关并发症。结果 通过导航模板辅助植入的24枚椎弓根螺钉,23枚完全在椎弓根内,1枚穿破椎弓根外壁,穿出距离均小于1.2 mm,椎弓根穿破率为4%,植钉准确率为96%,螺钉位置可接受率为100%。无一例出现螺钉植入有关的神经、血管损伤等并发症。结论 3D打印个体化导航模板辅助胸椎、颈椎椎弓根螺钉植入的植钉准确性高、安全。     

下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术在临床中的应用

目的 :探讨下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定技术的临床应用。方法 :对2011年9月至2013年7月行下颈椎椎弓根螺钉内固定的32例患者进行回顾性分析,男20例,女12例;年龄21~78岁,平均56.4岁。其中10例为创伤性颈髓损伤,9例为颈椎管内肿瘤,7例颈椎后纵韧带骨化症,6例多节段颈椎病。所有患者术前行X线、CT、MRI及椎动脉MRA等影像学检查,术后及随访时行X线片及CT平扫明确螺钉的位置情况。根据Lee等4级分类法评价置钉的准确性,创伤性患者行ASIA分级评价脊髓功能变化,非创伤性患者采用JOA评分评价神经功能改善情况。结果:32例患者成功置入144枚下颈椎椎弓根螺钉,术后CT显示,0级132枚,1级5枚,2级5枚,3级2枚。有12枚螺钉穿破椎弓根,其中8枚螺钉穿破椎弓根外侧皮质,2枚螺钉穿破椎弓根下侧皮质,穿破椎弓根内侧、上侧皮质螺钉各1枚。术后随访12~33个月,平均(21.0±1.5)个月,6例完全性颈髓损伤患者术后神经功能虽无恢复,但截瘫平面下降1~3个脊髓节段。4例不完全性颈髓损伤患者术后按ASIA损伤分级提高1~2级。22例非创伤性患者术后6个月JOA评分平均(15.9±0.6)分,较术前(11.5±0.8)分明显提高(P<0.01)。所有患者未发现钉棒系统松动、断裂情况。结论:下颈椎椎弓根螺钉固定能提供优秀的三维稳定性。合理选择适应证,术前充分准备以及根据椎弓根形态个体化置钉可以最大限度的降低手术风险及手术并发症,值得临床应用推广。     

多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定系统矫正胸椎侧凸畸形的有效性和安全性评价

目的:评价多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定系统矫正胸椎侧凸畸形的有效性和安全性。方法:回顾我院1994年3月～2002年3月应用椎弓根钉-棒系统矫治的118例胸椎侧凸畸形患者的临床资料,分析评价其手术并发症、侧凸矫正率及长期随访结果。结果:胸椎椎弓根总计置入螺钉916枚,术中及术后螺钉松动16枚;螺钉位置不良12枚;椎弓根骨折7例;脑脊液漏3例;1例术后螺钉松动压迫脊髓。术后平均随访5年,脊柱侧凸畸形平均矫正率为75%,平均矫正度丢失率1.2%,1例出现交界性后凸再次手术治疗。结论:多节段椎弓根螺钉内固定系统是矫正脊柱侧凸畸形一种较安全、有效的三维内固定方式。     

多层螺旋CT三维重建技术在胸腰椎骨折经椎弓根螺钉内固定术中的应用价值

目的:探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)三维重建技术在胸腰椎骨折患者经椎弓根螺钉内固定术中的应用价值。方法:2007年1月~2008年12月,78例胸腰椎骨折患者在我院行椎弓根螺钉内固定术,其中38例使用传统置钉法(Weinstein法或AO法)进行椎弓根螺钉置入(A组),40例采用MSCT三维重建设计钉道的置钉方法进行螺钉置入(B组),术后两组均复查胸腰椎正、侧位X线片和CT了解置入螺钉位置情况,应用Lonstein等的方法评判置钉准确率。结果:78例患者共置入椎弓根螺钉436枚,A组38例共置入212枚,12例32枚螺钉穿破椎弓根皮质,其中穿破椎弓根内外皮质21枚,穿破椎弓根上下皮质11枚,置钉准确率84.91%;B组40例共置入224枚,5例6枚螺钉穿破椎弓根皮质,其中穿破椎弓根内外皮质4枚,穿破椎弓根上下皮质2枚,置钉准确率97.33%。两组置钉准确率有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:胸腰椎骨折患者行椎弓根螺钉内固定时应用MSCT三维重建设计钉道的置钉方法较传统置钉方法成功率高。     

个体化导航模板在胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入中的初步临床应用

目的:通过临床应用评价个体化导航模板辅助胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入的准确性和安全性。方法:2008年7月～2009年9月,对11例需要行胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入手术的患者(青少年特发性脊柱侧凸7例,先天性脊柱侧凸2例,胸椎结核后凸畸形1例,多发性胸椎骨折1例)术前根据CT三维重建图像利用计算机辅助设计及快速成型技术设计制作46个胸椎个体化导航模板,术中应用个体化导航模板辅助在T2～T12置入椎弓根螺钉92枚,术后CT扫描评价螺钉位置,记录有无与螺钉置入相关的并发症。结果:通过个体化导航模板辅助置入的92枚胸椎椎弓根螺钉中,83枚完全在椎弓根内,9枚穿破椎弓根壁(其中椎弓根内侧壁穿破2枚、椎弓根外侧壁穿破7枚),其中5枚螺钉因椎弓根宽度小于4mm(3.0～3.8mm)而采用椎弓根旁固定方法(椎弓根螺钉轻度穿破椎弓根外侧壁经胸肋关节内侧进入椎体),椎弓根壁非故意穿破率为4.3%,置钉准确率为95.7%,所有穿破椎弓根壁的螺钉的穿出距离均小于2mm,螺钉位置可接受率为100%。无与螺钉置入有关的神经、血管、内脏损伤等并发症的发生。结论:个体化导航模板辅助胸椎椎弓根螺钉置入的置钉准确率高,安全、可行。     

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.     

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.