胫骨平台后髁骨折的后侧入路选择

目的探讨采用后侧手术入路治疗胫骨平台后髁骨折的疗效。方法 17例胫骨平台后髁骨折患者中,9例行后内侧入路,6例行后外侧入路,2例行后内后外侧联合入路。术后进行临床及影像学检查,术后X线采用Rasmussen放射学评分进行评估,术后12个月时采用美国特种外科医院膝关节评分方法(HSS)对膝关节功能进行评估。结果 17例患者均获随访,随访时间12~24个月,平均13.6个月,患者均获骨性愈合,愈合时间12~18周,平均14.30周。术后Rasmussen放射学评分平均15.80(13~18)分。HSS评分平均86.50(73~96)分。术后3例患者发生切口问题,均经保守治疗痊愈。末次随访无1例发生感染、骨不愈合、复位丢失、内固定松动、膝关节不稳及神经、血管损伤等并发症。结论胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折应用后外侧入路,后内侧髁骨折应用后内侧入路,后内后外侧髁均骨折可以应用后内和后外联合入路,合并神经血管损伤时采用后正中S形入路;直视下进行平台的复位和固定,允许术后早期进行膝关节功能锻炼,疗效满意。     

复杂胫骨平台伴后髁骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨后内侧联合前外侧入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台伴后髁骨折的近期疗效。方法笔者自2010-10—2015-03采用后内侧联合前外侧入路手术治疗41例复杂胫骨平台伴后髁骨折。术后采用Rasmussen放射学评分标准评价手术复位效果,骨折完全愈合后按照美国特种外科医院(HSS)膝关节功能评分评定膝关节功能。结果 41例均获得随访14~31个月,平均17.4个月。术后Rasmussen放射学评分平均15.4(11~18)分;优17例,良20例,可4例,优良率90.2%。术后HSS膝关节功能评分平均91.5(57~95)分;优16例,良20例,可4例,差1例,优良率87.8%。所有患者术后切口及骨折均顺利愈合。结论后内侧联合前外侧入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台伴后髁骨折近期疗效满意,值得推广。     

胫骨平台后外侧、后内侧、单纯后侧平台骨折的治疗

目的探讨膝关节后外侧、后内侧、单纯后侧胫骨平台骨折的治疗方法和临床疗效。方法2008年5月至2010年7月治疗15例胫骨平台后外侧、后内侧、单纯后髁骨折患者,男10例,女5例;年龄30～55岁,平均40．5岁。致伤原因：高处坠落5例,重物砸伤2例,交通伤8例。采用胫骨平台后内侧入路7例,胫骨平台后外侧入路7例,后内外联合入路1例。结果本组15例患者均获得随访．随访时间12～24个月,平均15个月。术中无1例患者发生血管、神经损伤,术后无1例患者发生切口感染、内固定松动及断裂;骨折均愈合,愈合时间为10～20周,平均14．5周。末次随访时,本组无1例患者发生膝关节内、外翻畸形和骨折再移位。术后12个月膝关节HSS评分平均为86分（70～95分）,优良率为91．8％。术后12个月膝关节活动度平均为1．9°-123．4°。结论膝关节Carlson后内侧切口或后外侧切口入路手术治疗胫骨平台后外侧、后内侧、单纯后髁骨折,有利于骨折的复位和固定,具有暴露清楚、内固定安放方便、创伤小及临床疗效好等优点。运用合适的内固定和恰当的功能锻炼可取得满意的临床疗效。     

经后外侧入路治疗胫骨外侧平台单纯后侧、后外侧骨折的初步报告

目的 探讨胫骨外侧平台单纯后侧、后外侧骨折的损伤机制及介绍采用自行设计的后外侧入路进行治疗的经验.方法 自2007年5月至2007年10月,采用自行设计的后外侧人路治疗少见的胫骨外侧平台单纯后侧、后外侧骨折的患者6例.根据AO分型:41-B-2.2.4型即胫骨外侧平台后侧塌陷性骨折2例,41-B-3.1.2型即胫骨外侧平台后外侧塌陷劈裂性骨折4例.采用T型支撑钢板治疗4例,L型支撑钢板治疗2例. 结果 术后X线片检查示所有患者均达到解剖复位,6例术后随访15～37周,平均26.3周.随访3个月时X线片示骨折均已愈合,未见高度丢失,Rasmussen放射评分16～18分,平均17.3分.膝关节总伸屈度100°～135°,平均120°.膝关节功能HSS评分为85～95分,平均89.3分. 结论 胫骨外侧平台后侧、后外侧髁骨折是膝关节屈曲且在不同程度外翻状态下受到轴向暴力所致,而后外侧入路是治疗这种类型骨折较为理想的手术入路,具有暴露清楚、内崮定安放方便、创伤小以及临床疗效好等优点.     

后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折

目的 探讨后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折的手术方法 和临床疗效.方法 对2007 年5 月至2011 年2 月枣庄矿业集团中心医院采用后外侧入路内固定治疗且随访资料完整的28 例胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折患者进行回顾性分析.结果 28 例患者获得随访,随访时间14～34 个月,平均随访时间20.2 个月;骨折愈合时间5～8 个月,平均愈合时间6 个月.术后1、3、6、12 个月的膝关节总伸屈度数分别为80°～120°（平均105.0°）、95°～135°（平均120.3°）、90°～135°（平均119.1°）、110°～135°（平均127.3°）.术后12 个月膝关节美国特种外科医院（HSS）评分86～97 分,平均92.1 分.关节功能评定按Hohl 评分标准：优19 例、良7 例、可2 例,优良率93%.未见关节面塌陷、膝关节内外翻及不稳定等并发症发生.结论 膝关节后外侧入路能够充分暴露胫骨后关节间隙及胫骨平台后外侧髁,为胫骨平台后外侧髁骨折的直视复位和植骨内固定提供良好的操作空间,临床疗效满意.     

Carlson后内侧或后外侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折

目的探讨Carlson后内侧或后外侧入路内固定治疗胫骨平台后侧骨折的可行性及近期疗效。方法对2010年4月至2012年1月15例胫骨平台后侧骨折患者行Carlson后侧入路切开复位内固定治疗并进行随访,做疗效分析。结果 15例均获随访,随访时间6～15个月,平均11个月,骨折愈合后以美国特种外科医院（the hospital forspecial surgery,HSS）膝关节评分标准进行膝关节功能评估。骨折愈合后HSS评分72～94分,平均85.3分。结论 Carlson后内侧或后外侧入路对胫骨平台后侧骨折可以很好的显露并复位内固定,术后膝关节功能恢复较满意。     

经双切口入路手术治疗胫骨平台双髁骨折

[目的]评价经膝关节前外侧和后内侧双切口人路手术治疗胫骨平台双髁骨折的临床疗效.[方法]自2003年6月～2010年5月对42例胫骨平台双髁骨折采用膝关节前外侧和后内侧双切口入路进行手术治疗,其中Schatzker V型骨折29例,Schatzker VI型骨折13例.随访时间16～27个月.观察切口感染和骨折愈合时间.配对t检验比较术后初次和末次随访骨折复位及复位丢失放射学Rasmussen评分.随访末HSS评分评价膝关节功能.[结果]切口感染7例,其中浅部感染2例,深部感染5例,感染率16.67%.骨折平均愈合时间(4.60±1.27)个月.术后初次放射学Rasmussen平均评分(13.86 ± 3.23 )分,随访末期(13.71±3.26)分,二者比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.08 >0.05).随访末膝关节功能HSS评分平均为(74.33±12.34)分,优10例,良22例,可9例,差1例,优良率76%.[结论I采用膝关节前外侧和后内侧双切口手术人路可充分暴露膝关节内结构及胫骨平台双裸骨折端,为骨折直视下精确复位和植骨内固定提供了良好的操作空间,关节面复位满意,内固定牢固,术后骨折复位丢失率低、骨折愈合率高,有效减少软组织并发症,利于膝关节功能恢复,适合胫骨平台双髁骨折的手术入路.     

改良侧后方入路治疗胫骨平台后方剪力骨折

[目的]探讨改良侧后方入路治疗胫骨平台后方剪力骨折的手术效果.[方法]2003年8月～2006年7月,采用改良的侧后方"L"型人路治疗胫骨平台后方剪力骨折13例.后内侧入路经由半腱肌、半膜肌和腓肠肌内侧头间隙,后外侧入路自腘肌和比目鱼肌间隙分别显露后内与后外侧髁.骨折块直视下复位,用3.5 mm"T型"锁定钢板或有限接触加压钢板于胫骨后内或后外侧固定骨块.半月板与韧带损伤均Ⅰ期修复.[结果]13例患者全部获得12个月以上的随访,随访时间13～16个月,平均14.5个月.术后1个月80°～130°,平均105°;术后3个月90°～135°,平均115.3°;术后12个月膝关节屈伸范围:115°～135°,平均125.1°.术后即刻,术后3个月及1年的TPA和PA度数无统计学差异(P＞0.05).术后1年膝关节HSS评分86-97分,平均92.1分.无1例发生手术区皮肤坏死、感染或内固定松动.[结论]本组所采用的改良后外侧或后内侧入路可充分暴露胫骨后平台,减少前方大范围剥离所带来的软组织并发症,直视下复位和固定骨折块可以充分防止力线的改变和骨折的再移位,有利于患者良好的膝关节功能恢复.     

后侧双切口联合入路治疗复杂胫骨平台后髁骨折

目的 探讨膝关节后内侧和后外侧入路手术治疗胫骨平台后髁复杂骨折的手术方法和临床疗效. 方法 2007年1月至2011年3月,采用后侧双切口入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台后髁骨折8例,其中男5例,女3例;年龄26～52岁,平均42.3岁.按罗从风[1]三柱分类,骨折全部波及胫骨平台后内侧髁及后外侧髁. 结果 全部获得随访,随访时间12～24个月,平均13.6个月;骨折愈合时间为12～18周,平均16.2周;完全负重时间为18～28周,平均22.3周.术后32周采用HSS[2]膝关节评分为84～92分,平均87.3分. 结论 膝关节后侧双切口联合入路手术治疗复杂胫骨平台后髁骨折,有利于平台后髁骨折直视下复位和固定,具有暴露清楚、复位准确、内固定安装方便、创伤小及临床疗效好等优点.     

改良后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的临床效果

目的探讨改良后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的临床疗效。方法选取2014年10月至2019年10月间在本院行改良后外侧入路手术治疗的胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折的患者86例,均为闭合型骨折,其中男性54例,女性32例,术后定期复查X线,记录患者骨折愈合时间以及出现并发症情况,评估末次随访时患者的膝关节功能评分,主要包括美国特种外科医院(HSS)评分及Rasmussen膝关节功能评分。结果所有患者未出现血管神经损伤,随访时间6～36个月,平均(19.3±7.9)个月。骨折愈合时间6～15个月,平均(10.8±2.4)个月,未发现膝关节内外翻畸形或膝关节不稳定患者,末次随访时患者的HSS评分为81～94分,平均(91.2±3.1)分。Rasmussen膝关节功能评分显示,58例患者为优,21例患者为良,7例患者为可,优良率为91.86%。结论经改良后外侧入路治疗胫骨平台后外侧塌陷骨折能够较好的显露骨折处,有助于骨折复位,可获得满意的临床疗效。     

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.     

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.     

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.