肝内胆管结石手术后复发的研究

目的：调查肝内胆管结石术后复发的情况及影响肝内胆管结石复发的因素。方法：对129例肝内胆管结石手术后患者的结石复发情况及影响因素进行调查。结果：复发时间自术后2年至术后9年，平均5．49±2．25年。有35例49处肝内胆管复发结石（27．13％）。左外叶、左肝管及肝外胆管结石复发率均较其术前的结石发生率明显下降（P＜0．01，P＜0．05）。胆肠吻合组与非胆肠吻合组的肝内胆管结石复发率无明显差异（P＞0．05），但胆肠吻合组肝外胆管结石的复发率明显低于非胆肠吻合组（P＜0．01）。结论：肝叶切除是最有效的防止复发的措施，胆肠吻合对预防肝内胆管结石的复发无明显意义，但显著降低肝外胆管结石的复发。     

连续性空肠间置在胃次全切除术消化道重建中的应用研究

目的 探讨胃次全切除术时采用连续性空肠间置完成消化道重建的临床效果。方法 远端胃癌患者34例，随机分成两组，A组16例，B组18例。胃次全切除后，A组行残胃与空肠、十二指肠与空肠的端侧吻合，再行空肠侧侧吻合，将胃空肠吻合的输入袢空肠和十二指肠空肠吻合口的输出袢空肠分别结扎阻断，形成完整的连续性间置空肠代胃。B组行Billroth Ⅱ式消化道重建。比较两组患者术后并发症发生率和死亡率；术后1年比较两组患者的Visiek分级指数、血浆白蛋白水平、每餐进食量和体重，并用胃镜检查残胃和吻合口情况。结果 两组患者术后均未出现并发症。术后1年观察，Visiek分级指数两组比较，u=2．1，P〈0．05；差异有统计学意义。A组所有患者平均每日进食量均在术前水平的85％以上，B组只有14人达到该水平。两组手术前后体重减少值比较，t=-2．181，P〈0．05；差异有统计学意义。两组手术前后血浆白蛋白变化值对比，差异有统计学意义（t=2．125，P〈0．05）；A组在1年后显著增加，与术前相比（t=-2．175，P〈0．05）差异有统计学意义。手术后1年胃镜复查，A组残胃未发现胆汁反流，吻合口通畅，吻合口黏膜和间置空肠无充血、水肿，而B组发现残胃内胆汁潴留11例（61．1％），吻合口炎症13例（72．2％），吻合口溃疡2例（11．1％）。结论 连续性空肠间置能够恢复消化道生理通道并避免反流性胃炎的发生。     

胃肠道浆肌层吻合的可行性研究

目的探讨胃肠道浆肌层吻合的可行性。方法中国家兔分成4组，A组（浆肌层吻合）、B组（二层吻合）、C组（一层吻合）和D组（黏膜外吻合），每组10只。每只动物行胃十二指肠侧侧吻合、回肠端端吻合（2个）和结肠端端吻合（2个）。术后测定吻合破裂压、组织羟脯氨酸含量和组织病理学检查。结果（1）术后第3天，A组胃肠道吻合的吻合破裂压、羟脯氨酸含量与B、C、D组差异无统计学意义；（2）第7天，A组吻合破裂压在胃十二指肠吻合中高于B、C组（P〈0．05），回肠吻合中高于B组（P〈0．01），结肠吻合中高于B、C、D组（P〈0．05）；胃十二指肠吻合组织羟脯氨酸含量A组高于B组（P〈0．05），和C、D组差异无统计学意义；（3）A组的炎症反应在胃十二指肠吻合中与B、C、D组相似，回肠吻合中最轻，结肠吻合中与B组相似。结论胃肠道浆肌层吻合是一种安全、可靠，简便的吻合方法。     

全胃切除后非离断式Roux—en—Y空肠储袋消化道重建的临床研究

目的探讨全胃切除术后非离断式Roux-en—Y空肠储袋消化道重建方式的临床效果。方法对168例胃癌患者行全胃切除手术后分别行非离断式Roux-en—Y空肠储袋吻合术（A组，69例）、P型空肠食管Roux-en-Y吻合术（B组，50例）和Orr式空肠食管Roux—en-Y吻合术（C组，49例）进行消化道重建。观察各组患者消化道重建的时间和术后并发症发生率；并对其中无瘤生存超过1年的121例患者的生活质量[术后6和12个月时的体重、进食量、预后营养指数（PNI）和Visick分级指数]进行分析对比。结果A、B、C组消化道重建时间分别为（30±7）min、（57±6）min和（48±6）min；A组时间最短，与B、C组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。3组患者术后均顺利恢复，未发生吻合口瘘或十二指肠残端瘘等术后并发症。A、B、C组碱性反流性食管炎发生率分别为4．3％（2／46）、7．7％（3／39）和5．6％（2／36），差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；Roux潴留综合征发生率分别为2．2％（2／46）、17．9％（7／39）和19．4％（7／36），A组明显低于B、C组（P〈0．01）。术后6个月和12个月，A组体重和进食量的恢复均优于B、C组（P〈0．05）。与术前相比，术后6个月3组PNI均下降（P〈0．05）；12个月时，A组PNI与术前比较差异已无统计学意义（P〉0．05），而B、C组的差异仍有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。A组术后6个月和12个月时的Visick分级指数Ⅰ～Ⅱ级均优于B、C组（P〈0．05）。结论非离断式Roux-en—Y空肠储袋术是全胃切除术后理想的消化道重建术式。     

急性结石性胆囊炎腹腔镜手术时机及中转开腹影响因素的探讨

目的探讨腹腔镜手术治疗急性结石性胆囊炎的最佳时机以及影响中转开腹的因素。方法对468例行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的急性结石性胆囊炎病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析。将468例病人分为A（症状发作48h内手术）、B（48～72h内手术）、C（72h后手术）、D（保守治疗后再择期手术）4组。结果A、B、C、D4组的术后并发症发生率分别为3．48％（5／146）、3．69％（5／137）、5．88％（6／102）和3．17％（2／63），各组间术后并发症发生率并无显著性差异（P均〉0．05）；C组的手术时间较其他3组明显延长（P〈0．05），且手术中转率也显著高于其他各组（P〈0．05）；A组的手术时间较其他组短，开腹中转率也较其他组低（P〈0．05）；单因素分析结果显示体温、右上腹肌紧张、胆囊肿大、白细胞计数、胆囊壁厚度、胆囊颈部结石嵌顿、手术时机7个因素与中转开腹率显著相关（P〈0．05）。多因素回归分析显示白细胞计数和手术时机是影响腹腔镜中转开腹率的独立危险因素。结论急性结石性胆囊炎症状发作后48h内是腹腔镜手术的最佳时机，白细胞计数和手术时机是影响腹腔镜中转开腹率的独立危险因素。     

肝内胆管结石不同治疗方式长期疗效报告

目的比较肝内胆管结石不同治疗方式的长期疗效，探讨合理可靠的治疗方法。方法回顾性分析1993年1月-2002年12月我院159例肝内胆管结石的临床资料，比较保守治疗、胆总管切开取石术、肝切除术、肝胆管肠吻合术以及保留Oddi括约肌的肝门胆管狭窄成形术5种治疗方法的术后并发症和远期疗效。结果146例随访2—12年，中位时间7年，随访率91．8％（146／159）。保守治疗16例（Ⅰ组），随访15例，15例出现胆管炎，其中死亡1例；肝外探查47例（Ⅱ组），残留结石率100％，随访43例，术后胆管炎32例（74．4％），其中死亡7例；肝叶或肝段切除16例（Ⅲ组），残留结石3例（18．8％），随访15例，术后胆管炎4例（26．7％），其中死亡1例；肝胆管肠吻合32例（Ⅳ组），残留结石11例（34．4％），随访29例，术后胆管炎14例（48．3％），其中死亡3例；保留Oddi括约肌48例（Ⅴ组），残留结石8例（16．7％），随访44例，术后胆管炎7例（15．9％）。Ⅱ组残留结石率显著高于其他手术组（P均=0．000）；Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组胆管炎复发率显著高于其他各组（P均〈0．05）；Ⅳ组胆管炎复发率显著高于Ⅴ组（P=0．003）。结论治疗肝内胆管结石，保守治疗和肝外探查疗效最差，保留Oddi括约肌的肝门胆管成形术优于肝胆管肠吻合术。     

经皮肾镜与微创经皮肾取石术治疗肾结石的效果比较

目的比较经皮肾镜（PCNI，）与微创经皮肾取石术（MPCNL）治疗肾结石的有效性和安全性。方法2004年10月至2006年4月，分别采用PCNL气压弹道超声碎石术和MPCNL输尿管镜下气压弹道碎石术治疗肾结石患者58例和77例。PCNL组患者年龄23～65岁，平均42岁。结石直径1．5～6．0cm，平均3．5cm。MPCNL组患者年龄20～72岁，平均39岁。结石直径1．2～5．6cm，平均3．2cm。对2组患者手术时间、手术并发症和一期结石清除率等指标进行比较分析。结果2组患者分别成功建立22F和16F肾穿刺通道并一期行碎石术。2组鹿角形结石分别为24例和22例，手术时间分别为（92±16）min和（115±15）min，P〈0．05；结石清除率分别为50％（12／24）和59％（13／22），P〉0．05。2组单纯肾盂结石各21例，手术时间分别为（65±11）min和（80±14）min，P〈0．05；结石清除率分别为91％（19／21）和62％（13／21），P〈0．05。2组肾盏多发结石分别为13例和34例，手术时间分别为（95士17）min和（110±12）min，P〈0．05；结石清除率分别为67％（8／12）和88％（30／34），P〈0．05。2组术中或术后出血明显需要输血治疗者分别为5例和4例，术后发热分别为5例和9例，P值均〉0．05。结论PCNL治疗肾结石手术时间短，适合处理较大的肾盂结石；MPCNL适用于治疗较小的肾盂结石及肾盏结石；二者联合应用治疗可提高鹿角形结石的结石清除率。     

肠缺血后处理对兔缺血再灌注损伤小肠上皮细胞线粒体形态和功能的影响

目的观察缺血后处理对小肠缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法30只大白兔随机分为3组，每组8只：A组，假手术组；B组，肠缺血再灌注损伤模型组；C组，肠缺血再灌注损伤模型肠缺血后处理组，实验结束后取小肠标本进行小肠上皮细胞形态和呼吸功能指标测定。结果A、C两组线粒体的数目、周长均大于B组，A、C两组问比较，A组较大（P〈0．05）。A、C两组线粒体的面积、最大直径、最小直径、等效直径均小于B组（P〈0．05），A、C两组间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。B组线粒体的体积密度小于A组，面积密度、比表面和粒子数密度均小于其余两组（P〈0．05）。A、C两组间三维平面形态计量学各参数比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；B、C组线粒体呼吸控制比率（RCR）低于A组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），与C组比较，B组下降更为明显（P〈0．05）。结论小肠缺血后处理对缺血再灌注损伤肠上皮细胞线粒体形态和功能均有保护作用。     

移植肝缺血-再灌注损伤程度的评估及其与肝移植患者预后的关系

目的探讨移植肝缺血-再灌注损伤程度的评估方法及其与肝移植患者预后的关系。方法218例良性终末期肝病患者，在移植肝恢复血液灌注后1h采取外周静脉血，测定丙氨酸转氨酶浓度（定义为基础肝功能），同时采用组织气体分析仪测定肝组织的氧分压，并取肝组织活检，计算水变性及坏死细胞百分比，分别对上述3项指标进行评分，再根据各指标得分之和将缺血-再灌注损伤程度划分为5级（0～Ⅳ级），统计围手术期（术后2周内）、术后近期（术后2周至1个月）、术后中远期（1个月以上）的患者死亡率。结果移植肝缺血再灌注损伤程度评为0级者157例（A组），死亡7例（4．5％），71．4％（5／7）死于术后3-6个月；缺血-再灌注损伤程度评为Ⅰ级者25例（B组），死亡5例（20．0％），80．0％（4／5）死于术后2周至3个月；缺血-再灌注损伤程度评为Ⅱ级者23例（C组），死亡5例（21．7％），80．0％（4／5）死于术后2周至3个月；缺血-再灌注损伤程度评为Ⅲ级者8例（D组），死亡7例（87．5％），85．7％（6／7）死于术后1个月内；缺血-再灌注损伤程度评为Ⅳ级者5例（E组），全部死亡，80．0％（4／5）死于术后1个月内。A组各期死亡率明显低于B组、C组（P〈0．05）和D组、E组（P〈0．01）；B组、C组间各期死亡率的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；B组、C组各期死亡率均低于D组、E组（P〈0．05）。结论基础肝功能、组织氧分压以及水变性和坏死细胞百分比三项指标可基本反映移植肝缺血-再灌注损伤程度；缺血-再灌注损伤评级达Ⅲ～Ⅳ级者术后死亡率较高。     

腹腔镜下腹会阴切除术两种结肠造口方式的比较

目的探讨腹腔镜下腹会阴切除术（LAPR）乙状结肠单腔造口的手术方式，以减少造口并发症的发生。方法63例患者中，低位直肠癌53例，直肠肛管癌10例。有61例用圆形吻合器行乙状结肠与腹壁皮肤吻合造口，2例手工缝合乙状结肠造口。腹腔内腹直肌型结肠造口37例（A组）；腹膜外隧道腹直肌型结肠造口26例（B组）。结果全组在腹腔镜下完成降结肠、乙状结肠和直肠的分离以及会阴部的直肠肛门开放性切除。无中转开腹，无手术死亡。两组的平均手术时间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；而术后人工肛门排气时间[A组（2．4±1．1）d与B组（1．9±0．8）d比较，P〈0．05]、术后平均住院日[A组（19．9±7．8）d与B组（14．5±3．9）d比较，P〈0．01]及造口相关并发症的发生率（A组29．4％，B组4．0％；两组比较P〈0．05）差异均有统计学意义；B组患者术后平均住院日较A组短，造口相关并发症低于A组。结论LAPR手术中。采用圆形吻合器经腹膜外隧道和腹直肌行乙状结肠单腔造口，可有效地减少造口并发症的发生和缩短手术后的住院时间。     

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.     

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.     

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.