关节镜下内引流术治疗腘窝囊肿的疗效观察

目的探讨应用关节镜技术治疗腘窝囊肿的临床疗效。方法采用关节镜下内引流术治疗腘窝囊肿伴膝关节症状10例。结果所有患者术中确诊膝关节内疾病,术后切口均一期愈合,随访时间1～20个月,患者疼痛症状明显缓解,无一例囊肿复发。结论采用关节镜下行关节清理加内引流技术治疗腘窝囊肿,具有创伤小、恢复快、复发率低等优点,是治疗腘窝囊肿的一种有效方法。     

局部麻醉下关节镜手术摘除腘窝囊肿并膝关节腔清理的临床疗效观察

目的:观察局部麻醉关节镜下腘窝囊肿摘除并膝关节腔清理的临床疗效。方法:2009年2月至2014年8月共52例腘窝囊肿的患者在局部麻醉关节镜下行腘窝囊肿摘除并膝关节腔清理手术,其中男34例,女18例;年龄14~62岁,平均43.6岁;右膝29例,左膝23例。术前根据MRI表现进行诊断并判断是否合并其他膝关节疾病,52例均在术前诊断为腘窝囊肿,其中23例合并单纯半月板损伤或软骨损伤,18例合并骨性关节炎,7例合并交叉韧带损伤,2例痛风性关节炎,1例类风湿性关节炎,1例色素沉着绒毛性结节性关节炎。术前患者临床表现:膝关节肿胀21例,膝关节疼痛16例,关节绞锁8例,腿无力4例,膝关节弹响4例。囊肿大小:4.0 cm×3.3 cm~6.2 cm×5.3 cm。根据Rauschning和Lindgren标准分级如下:Ⅰ级1例,Ⅱ级9例,Ⅲ级42例。术后康复计划要根据患者具体的损伤情况及术中处理情况来制定。术后定期复查,使用Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级标准评定术后疗效。结果:所有患者术后切口Ⅰ期愈合,无相关并发症。52例均获随访,时间39.6个月(25~64个月)。末次随访时根据Rauschning和Lindgren分级标准:0级43例,Ⅰ级8例,Ⅱ级1例,较术前改善(Z=-7.38,P=0.000)。结论:局部麻醉关节镜下腘窝囊肿摘除并膝关节腔清理术的效果确切,创伤小,恢复快,短期随访效果良好。由于可以同时处理膝关节原发疾病,因此复发率也很低。术后应根据术中处理情况制定相应的康复计划并积极训练以便早日康复。     

关节镜前后路联合手术囊外切除腘窝囊肿

目的：探讨应用关节镜技术前后路联合手术囊外切除腘窝囊肿的方法及临床疗效.方法：自2010年1月至2012年12月收治腘窝囊肿20例,其中男14例,女6例;年龄45～65岁,平均49.5岁;左膝12例,右膝8例.发现腘窝肿块4～18个月,平均12个月,囊肿大小体表纵径3～7 cm,平均4.5 cm.主要临床表现为腘窝部肿块,膝关节肿痛,并伴有不同程度的功能障碍.由MRI确诊为腘窝囊肿,并均与关节腔相通.先后路行关节镜下囊肿囊壁剥除术,后前路关节镜下处理关节内疾患.术前Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级：Ⅰ级2例,Ⅱ级6例,Ⅲ级12例.通过比较手术前后Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级情况对术后临床疗效进行评定.结果：20例术后均未出现并发症,切口均Ⅰ期愈合.所有患者获随访,时间8 ～24个月,平均16个月,膝关节疼痛症状明显好转,囊肿无复发.术后8个月按Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级法分级：0级14例,Ⅰ级6例,术后腘窝囊肿分级情况明显改善.结论：应用关节镜技术前后路联合手术治疗腘窝囊肿临床疗效满意,囊肿囊壁剥除,同时处理关节腔内疾患,可降低囊肿的复发率.     

关节镜监视下射频气化腘窝囊肿摘除术

目的探讨关节镜监视下射频气化手术治疗腘窝囊肿的可行性.方法2000年2月～2002年10月,采用局麻关节镜监视下射频气化腘窝囊肿摘除术21例.年龄45～66岁.腘窝囊肿伴有膝关节骨性关节炎18例、半月板损伤3例.术前行CT扫描11例、MRI检查8例、囊肿造影5例、B超2例,观察囊肿与周围组织的解剖关系.镜视下将含有肾上腺素的生理盐水注入囊壁脏层组织,采用囊外剥离和囊内射频气化切割处理囊壁组织.结果术后随访21例,无感染和血管神经损伤,疗效满意.术后复发3例,其中2例关节镜清理术后痊愈,1例保守治疗.结论局麻关节镜监视下腘窝囊肿切除术方法可行,安全可靠,疗效满意.     

腘窝囊肿的关节镜下治疗

目的 探讨关节镜下治疗腘窝囊肿的方法及其临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析2005年11月至2010年1月,在关节镜下治疗42例腘窝囊肿患者资料,男13例,女29例;年龄11～68岁,平均43.2岁,其中6例为儿童病例;腘窝囊肿均为单侧,右膝14例,左膝28例.其中11例为复发病例,初次手术时均采用开放囊肿摘除,初次手术至再次复发时间为6～35个月,平均18个月.根据Rauschning和Lindgren分级:Ⅰ级3例,Ⅱ级18例,Ⅲ级21例.术前MRI测量囊肿大小为4.2～7.9 cm(长径)×2.1～2.5cm(横径)×1.6～2.2 cm(前后径),平均5.4 cm×2.3 cm×2.0 cm,均位于膝关节后内部位,其中11例囊肿与关节腔相通.术前囊肿内注入美蓝1～2 ml,术中根据美蓝流出位置确定通道部位;经后内侧室扩大腘窝囊肿与关节腔之间的通道口清理囊肿内壁的同时,彻底处理关节内疾患.结果 42例腘窝囊肿患者在术中均可发现伴有关节内疾患,其中内侧半月板撕裂28例,外侧半月板撕裂9例,外侧盘状半月板4例.术后未出现血管、神经或手术切口并发症.术后2～3 d出院.42例患者均获得随访,随访时间10～30个月,平均18个月;无一例患者囊肿复发.术后Rauschning和Lindgren分级:0级38例;Ⅰ级4例.结论 关节镜下治疗腘窝囊肿具有创伤小、恢复快、复发率低、切除彻底的优点.     

关节镜下清理术结合囊肿-关节腔交通口扩大术治疗腘窝囊肿

目的探讨关节镜下清理术结合囊肿-关节腔交通口扩大术治疗腘窝囊肿的效果。方法对12例腘窝囊肿患者行关节镜下清理术结合囊肿-关节腔交通口扩大术。手术前后采用Lysholm膝关节功能评价、Rauschning和Lindgren分级方法和膝关节MRI进行评估。结果12例均获随访,时间12-23（16±4）个月,Lysholm评分术前为（55.8±3.7）分,术后6个月为（82.1±4.2）分,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,Rauschning和Lindgren分级术前为1级1例,2级1例,3级10例,术后6个月为1级11例,2级1例。所有患膝运动能力均较术前有所改善。结论关节镜下清理术结合囊肿-关节腔交通口扩大术治疗腘窝囊肿具有创伤小、康复快、复发率低的优点。     

囊肿切除联合关节镜下有限清理术治疗成人腘窝囊肿

目的总结囊肿切除后关节镜下有限清理术治疗成人腘窝囊肿的方法及临床疗效。方法 2006年4月-2008年10月,对12例腘窝囊肿伴膝部症状患者采用囊肿切除后于膝关节镜下有限清理术治疗。男5例,女7例;年龄46～65岁,平均53岁。腘窝囊肿均为单侧,其中左膝5例,右膝7例。骨性关节炎8例,类风湿性关节炎2例,痛风性关节炎2例。病程3～18个月,平均9个月。根据Rauschning等评价方法分级,Ⅰ级1例,Ⅱ级6例,Ⅲ级5例。囊肿大小为6.5cm×4.5cm～7.2cm×5.0cm。结果患者住院时间7～12d,平均9d。术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无血管、神经损伤。12例均获随访,随访时间6～24个月,平均18个月;随访期间未见囊肿复发。术后6个月根据Rauschning等评价方法分级:0级8例,Ⅰ级3例,Ⅱ级1例;手术前后差异有统计学意义(Z=—2.810,P=0.023)。结论成人腘窝囊肿多继发于关节内病变,切除腘窝囊肿的同时应处理关节内病变;关节镜辅助治疗腘窝囊肿具有创伤小、恢复快、复发率低、并发症发生率低的优点。     

全关节镜下内引流技术治疗腘窝囊肿

目的:对比全关节镜下内引流技术与关节镜联合后方小切口技术治疗腘窝囊肿的临床疗效。方法:2015年1月至2017年1月收治腘窝囊肿患者60例,男29例,女31例,年龄30～65(47.8±2.5)岁,病程(8.5±4.2)个月。其中30例接受全关节镜下内引流技术治疗(全关节镜组),30例接受关节镜联合后方小切口技术治疗(关节镜联合小切口组)。对两组手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度、术后Rauschning和Lindgren分级0级恢复率及膝关节Lysholm评分进行对比。结果:全关节镜组29例和关节镜联合小切口组28例获得随访,时间8～20(12.8±2.1)个月。手术时间:全关节镜组(45.32±5.71) min,关节镜联合小切口组(44.56±3.85) min;术后Rauschning和Lindgren分级0级恢复:全关节镜组23例,关节镜联合小切口组22例;术后膝关节Lysholm评分:全关节镜组84.5±11.2,关节镜联合小切口组83.2±12.7;两组比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。术中出血量:全关节镜组(5.32±1.25) ml,关节镜联合小切口组(20.75±8.18) ml;切口长度:全关节镜组(1.51±0.34) cm,关节镜联合小切口组(7.34±0.75) cm;两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组末次随访均行膝关节MRI检查,无囊肿复发病例。结论:全关节镜下内引流技术与关节镜联合后方小切口技术治疗合并关节内病变腘窝囊肿的临床疗效相当,但创伤更小,术后恢复更快。     

仰卧位关节镜治疗继发性腘窝囊肿

[目的]探讨仰卧位关节镜治疗继发性腘窝囊肿的技术及临床效果。[方法]自2011年3月²014年3月对21例合并膝关节内病变的继发腘窝囊肿患者,采用仰卧位关节镜囊内切除腘窝囊肿。术中首先处理关节内病变,而后于膝后内侧室扩大腘窝囊肿与关节腔的连通口,由内而外切除囊壁。采用Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级、Lysholm膝关节评分、疼痛VAS评分及磁共振进行手术前及随访时的评估。[结果]所有患者均未发生严重手术并发症。21例患者均得到随访,时间42014年3月对21例合并膝关节内病变的继发腘窝囊肿患者,采用仰卧位关节镜囊内切除腘窝囊肿。术中首先处理关节内病变,而后于膝后内侧室扩大腘窝囊肿与关节腔的连通口,由内而外切除囊壁。采用Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级、Lysholm膝关节评分、疼痛VAS评分及磁共振进行手术前及随访时的评估。[结果]所有患者均未发生严重手术并发症。21例患者均得到随访,时间4³6个月,平均25个月。Rauschning和Lindgren腘窝囊肿分级除1例外均有明显改善,疼痛VAS评分术前7.95分减低至随访时1.95分,而Lysholm膝关节评分术前34.5分增加至随访时82.6分。术后磁共振发现1例巨大腘窝囊肿复发。[结论]单一体位全内镜技术微创治疗腘窝囊肿操作简单、微创,临床效果肯定,恢复快,复发率低;并且术中不用二次翻身,手术时间短,刀口感染风险小。     

关节镜手术与开放手术治疗腘窝囊肿的疗效比较

目的 比较关节镜手术与开放手术治疗腘窝囊肿的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析自2017-01—2020-12诊治的57例腘窝囊肿,25例采用关节镜下双后内侧入路治疗（关节镜组）,32例采用开放手术治疗（开放组）。比较两组切口长度、手术时间、住院时间,末次随访时疼痛VAS评分与Rauschning-Lindgren分级。结果 57例均顺利完成手术,无神经及血管损伤。关节镜组切口长度比开放组短,手术时间比开放组短,住院时间也明显短于开放组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。57例均获得随访,随访时间平均8.4(3～12)个月。关节镜组随访期间无囊肿复发;开放组2例分别于术后1个月、3个月出现囊肿复发,进行关节镜手术治疗,术后未再复发。关节镜组末次随访时疼痛VAS评分低于开放组,Rauschning-Lindgren分级优于开放组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 相对于开放手术治疗腘窝囊肿,关节镜下双后内侧入路治疗腘窝囊肿手术创伤小,患者术后恢复快,而且腘窝囊肿复发率低。     

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 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.     

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.