老年人胆囊结石合并胆总管结石术式选择探讨（附60例报告）

目的 探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除（LC）联合胆总管切开取石术（LCBDE）与LC联合内镜下乳头括约肌切开取石术（EST）治疗老年人胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的疗效。 方法 回顾性分析2012年1月到2013年5月中国医科大学附属盛京医院普通外科收治的60例老年胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床资料。LCBDE组31例,EST组29例。 结果 LCBDE组和EST组的住院时间、手术中转率及轻型并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义。LCBDE组重型并发症发生率（0 vs. 6.9%,P<0.05）和住院费用（30 063.9±9127.9）元vs.（43 858.3±10 142.6）元,P= 0.001）显著低于EST组。结论 在老年人胆囊结石合并胆总管结石病人治疗中,LC联合LCBDE较联合EST同样安全有效,且有重型并发症发生率和住院费用低的优势,条件允许时,推荐首选LC联合LCBDE术式。     

LC+LCBDE和ERCP/EST+LC在胆囊合并胆总管结石中应用的随机对照研究

目的 对比腹腔镜胆囊切除术（LC）联合腹腔镜胆总管切开胆道镜探查取石术（LCBDE）、内镜逆行胰胆管造影/内镜下十二指肠乳头括约肌切开取石术（ERCP/EST）联合LC两种联合术式在胆囊合并胆总管结石治疗中的疗效差异,分析术式优越性。方法 前瞻性分析上海交通大学医学院附属仁济医院胆胰外科2014年7月至2016年3月间114例胆囊合并胆总管结石患者临床资料,按随机数字表法分为LC+LCBDE组以及ERCP/EST+LC组。对比两组手术成功率、手术时间、术中出血、住院时间和费用、术后胃肠道生活质量指数（GIQLI）和患者手术耐受性,以及术后早期及中远期并发症发生率。结果 LC+LCBDE组与ERCP/EST+LC组比较,手术成功率差异无统计学意义（96.5% vs 92.9%,P>0.05）;并发症方面,LC+LCBDE组残石率,胰腺炎、胆管炎、腹胀发生率均低于ERCP/EST+LC组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。同时,LC+LCBDE组在住院费用、耗材费用、术后GIQLI生存质量和患者手术耐受性方面均优于ERCP/EST+LC组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）; 但在住院时间、胆漏发生率方面,ERCP/EST+LC组优于LC+LCBDE组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 LC+LCBDE术式在胆囊合并胆总管结石的治疗中与ERCP/EST+LC术式手术成功率相近,但LC+LCBDE术式具有创伤小、并发症低、费用少、患者耐受性好、术后生存质量高等优点,可作为首选术式。     

LC＋LCBDE与ERCP／EST＋LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的梗阻性黄疸患者的临床对照研究

目的探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除术（LC）联合腹腔镜胆总管探查取石术（LCBDE）与内镜下逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）及乳头括约肌切开取石术（EST）联合LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的梗阻性黄疸患者的疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析我院2011年1月至2012年6月期间分别采用LC＋LCBDE（LC＋LCBDE组,n-48）及ERCP／EST＋LC（ERCP／EST＋LC组,n=76）治疗的胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的梗阻性黄疸患者的临床资料,比较分析2组患者的临床治疗情况。结果①2组患者的一般临床资料如年龄、性别、术前总胆红素和丙氨酸转氨酶、结石数量、最大结石直径及胆总管内径比较,差异均无统计学意义∽〉0．05）,具有可比性。②2组均无同手术期死亡病例。2组患者的取石成功率、中转开腹率及并发症发生率比较差异均无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,但是LC＋LCBDE组手术时间及术后住院时间均明显短于ERCP／EST＋LC组P〈0．05）,手术费用及住院费用也少于ERCP／EST＋LC组P〈0．05）。结论ERCP／EST＋LC与LC＋LCBDE治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的梗阻性黄疸患者同样安全、有效。但LC＋LCBDE成本效益更高,有利于患者恢复,尤其是当胆总管直径大于1．0cm或多发结石,LC＋LCBDE是最佳选择。总之,应根据患者实际病情及医院条件,个体化选择最适合患者的微创治疗方式。     

腹腔镜胆道探查取石胆囊切除术治疗胆总管结石疗效分析

目的探讨腹腔镜胆道探查取石术(LCBDE)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗胆总管结石的疗效。方法将142例胆总管结石患者随机分为观察组(n=71例)与对照组(n=71例)。观察组行LCBDE联合LC,对照组行经十二指肠镜Oddi括约肌切开取石术(EST)联合LC。对比两组治疗效果。结果观察组手术成功率高于对照组,手术时间长于对照组,住院费用低于对照组,手术并发症发生率低于对照组,两组差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 LCBDE联合LC治疗胆总管结石疗效确切,手术成功率高、术后并发症发生率低、经济负担轻,值得临床推广应用。     

腹腔镜与开腹胆总管切开取石的对比研究（附176例报告）

目的探讨腹腔镜手术与开腹手术治疗胆总管结石的临床效果。方法2001年～2008年对176例患者行腹腔镜胆总管切开探查取石术（laparoscopic common bile duct exploration,LCBDE）,与同期192例开腹胆囊切除胆总管切开取石、T管引流术（Open choledocholithotomy Ttube drainage OCHTD）。两组患者的临床资料进行比较分析。结果两组手术病人均治愈出院。在手术时间。住院费用,术后胆瘘,腹腔脓肿及结石清除率,两组无明显差异（P〉0．05）。然而,在术中出血量,术后腹痛次数,胃肠道功能恢复时间,术后伤口感染以及术后肠梗阻,LCBDE组明显优于OCHTD组（P〈0．05）。结论LCBDE术式微创,临床效果好,能取代大部分开腹胆总管探查术。     

三种手术方法治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石的临床疗效分析

目的 评价三种手术方法治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石的临床效果.方法 将胆囊结石伴胆总管结石病例随机分为三组:A组:腹腔镜胆囊切除术+经十二指肠乳头切开取石组(LC+EST)(n=20);B组:腹腔镜胆囊切除术+胆总管切开取石(LC+LCBDE)+T管引流组(n=20);C组开腹胆囊切除术+胆总管切开取石+T管引流组(n=20);对比分析三组术后肛门通气时间、禁食时间、术后住院天数、住院费用及术后疼痛率等并发症指标.结果 LC+EST组的术后肛门通气时间、禁食时间、术后疼痛发生率、术后切口脂肪液化率均低于开腹组(P<0.01),术后疼痛发生率、胆漏率低于LC+LCBDE组(P<0.01),但术后血淀粉酶升高率高于LC+LCBDE组和开腹组;三组间术后结石残余率、住院费用、平均住院天数比较无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 LC+EST术治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石安全可靠、创伤小、术后恢复快.     

腹腔镜治疗胆总管结石116例诊治分析

目的探讨腹腔镜胆总管切开探查取石术治疗胆总管结石的临床效果及注意事项。方法对腹腔镜胆总管切开探查取石术治疗的116例胆总管结石患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,并与同期98例行传统开腹胆囊切除胆总管切开取石、T管引流术治疗胆总管结石患者的临床资料进行比较分析。结果两组患者手术均获成功,患者术后恢复良好。LCBDE组与OCHTD组在术中出血量、肠蠕动恢复时间、术后住院日数、术后切口感染、肠梗阻等方面比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。两组在手术时间、术后出血、术后胆瘘、腹腔脓肿、一次性结石清除率等方面比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论腹腔镜胆总管切开探查取石术是安全、有效治疗胆总管结石的微创手术方法,可逐渐取代大部分传统开腹胆总管探查术。     

腹腔镜胆总管取石和内镜乳头切开取石治疗胆总管结石的回顾性分析

目的:分析两种微创手术方式:腹腔镜胆囊切除(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)结合胆总管取石术(laparoscopic common bile duct extraction,LCBDE)和内镜下乳头括约肌切开(endoscopic sphincterotomy,EST)取石联合LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石病人的疗效和安全性。方法:回顾近4年余胆囊结石合并胆总管结石病人的临床资料,其中LC+LCBDE组40例,EST+LC组40例。比较两组手术成功率、结石清除率以及术后并发症发生率等指标。结果:LC+LCBDE组与EST+LC组手术成功率(97.5%比95.0%)、结石清除率(90.0%比92.5%)、术后近期并发症发生率(7.5%比5.0%)比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组都无围手术期死亡。LC+LCBDE组住院费用与住院时间低于EST+LC组(P<0.001)。LC+LCBDE组未发生远期并发症、无结石复发、EST+LC组2例结石复发和4例发生远期并发症(3例胆道感染、1例复发性胰腺炎)(15.0%)。结论:本研究显示,LC+LCBDE与EST+LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的疗效及安全性相似。LC+LCBDE治疗既保留了Oddi括约肌的功能,避免EST相关的潜在风险;同时缩短住院时间,降低住院费用。     

内镜联合腹腔镜治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石

目的探讨分别应用腹腔镜下胆囊切除术+腹腔镜下胆总管探查术一期缝合(LC+LCBDE)与经内镜下十二指肠乳头肌切开取石术+腹腔镜下胆囊切除术(LC+EST)两种微创方法治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的治疗效果,了解两种方法有无差别。方法78例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者,按住院号顺序随机分为两组,其中行LC+LCBDE患者40例,行LC+EST患者38例。比较两组手术时间、住院天数、术后并发症、结石数目及大小、住院费用等情况。结果分别用两种微创方法治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石的78例患者均治愈。结果显示除在手术时间方面差异有统计学意义(P0.05)外,其他研究指标差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论采用LC+LCBDE与LC+EST两种微创方法治疗胆囊结石并胆总管结石均是合适的。     

两种微创方式治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床疗效比较

目的比较腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)+腹腔镜胆总管切开胆道镜探查取石术(LCBDE)和内镜逆行胰胆管造影/内镜下括约肌切开取石术(ERCP/EST)+LC两种微创术式在治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石中的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2008年1月至2011年7月期间广东省人民医院肝胆胰外科收治的127例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者,比较2组的胆总管直径、结石清除率、住院时间、住院费用及并发症发生率。结果 127例患者中,85例采用LC+LCBDE治疗,其中54例采用一期缝合胆总管,28例放置T管引流;42例患者采用ERCP/EST+LC治疗。LC+LCBDE和ERCP/EST+LC两种术式结石清除率〔100%(82/82)比97.37%(37/38),P=0.317〕及术后并发症发生率〔4.71%(4/85)比4.76%(2/42),P=1.000〕方面差异均无统计学意义;在住院时间〔中位数(四分位数)〕和住院费用〔中位数(四分位数)〕方面LC+LCBDE一期缝合胆总管组均明显少于ERCP/EST+LC组〔住院时间:11(5)d比17(9)d,P<0.001;住院费用:27 054(8 452)元比31 595(11 743)元,P=0.005〕。结论 LC+LCBDE和ERCP/EST+LC均是治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的有效方法,但是LC+LCBDE尤其是LC+LCBDE一期缝合在住院时间和住院费用方面较ERCP/EST+LC有较明显的优势;并且LC+LCBDE对于结石大小、数量没有限制,能够在保留乳头功能条件下,一次麻醉解决两个问题,因此我们认为对于合适病例可考虑LC+LCBDE为首选的治疗方法。     

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.     

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.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

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.