椎弓根螺钉内固定间接减压治疗胸腰椎骨折疗效观察

目的探讨经椎弓根螺钉内固定间接减压治疗胸腰椎骨折的疗效。方法32例胸腰椎骨折患者中，17例以4枚椎弓根螺钉固定伤椎上下相邻椎体，15例以6枚椎弓根螺钉固定含伤椎及相邻上下椎体，对患者术前术后的椎体高度、矢状径Cobb角、椎管矢状径占有率、神经功能Frankel分级变化等指标进行测量并随访。结果所有患者获4～42个月随访，伤椎平均高度由术前（43．2±1．8）％恢复至（91±2．0）％，矢状面Cobb角由术前（24．2±3．0）°恢复至（5±1．0）°，椎管内矢状径占有率由（60．2±8．7）％增到（85．5±12．8）％。神经损伤术后Frankel分级：A级2例无恢复；B级2例恢复至E级1例，1例无恢复；C级5例恢复至D级1例，E级4例；D级10例恢复至E级9例，1例无恢复。无死亡或神经损伤加重病例。1例螺钉松动，1例螺钉断裂。结论用椎弓根钉复位、内固定、间接减压治疗胸腰椎骨折具有创伤小、出血少、手术时间短、脊柱稳定性好、有效矫正及预防脊柱后凸畸形、手术并发症低等优点。     

经皮伤椎置钉内固定治疗急性胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨经皮伤椎置钉内固定治疗急性胸腰椎骨折的方法及临床疗效。方法采用经皮伤椎置钉内固定治疗35例急性胸腰椎骨折患者。观察指标:手术时间,术中出血量,术前、术后、术后1个月及末次随访时伤椎Cobb角、伤椎压缩程度及Wolter指数。术后1个月和末次随访时采用ODI对患者恢复情况进行评价。结果患者均获得随访,时间12～24个月。手术时间85～105 min,术中出血量50～70 ml。术前15例ASIA分级为D级的患者术后1周内神经功能均恢复至E级。术后Cobb角、伤椎压缩程度、Wolter指数均优于术前(P 0. 001);末次随访时Cobb角、伤椎压缩程度、Wolter指数与术后比较差异均无统计学意义(P0. 05)。ODI术后1个月、末次随访时均优于术前(P 0. 001)。结论经皮伤椎置钉内固定治疗急性胸腰椎骨折疗效满意。     

后路经皮椎弓根螺钉经伤椎固定治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的 通过与切开短节段置入椎弓根螺钉内固定系统相比较,探讨经皮椎弓根螺钉经伤椎固定治疗胸腰椎骨折的可行性. 方法 2004年11月至2005年8月前瞻性将34例胸腰椎骨折随机分为两组(n=17),分别采用后路经皮椎弓根螺钉经伤椎固定(经皮组)和切开短节段置入椎弓根螺钉内固定系统治疗(切开组),比较两组手术时间、出血量、伤椎前缘高度比值和后凸Cobb角的恢复情况、平均复位丢失率以及并发症情况. 结果术后所有患者随访13～21个月,平均18个月.经皮组手术时间平均(130±11)min,与切开组[(129±9)min)]比较差异无统计学意义(t=0.171,P=0.870).经皮组术中出血量平均(120±37)mL,与切开组[(287±31)mL]比较差异有统计学意义(t=-14.141,P<0.05).经皮组伤椎前缘高度比值平均从术前52.1%±5.8%恢复至术后95.5%±2.2%,后凸Cobb角平均从术前16.2°±1.7°恢复至术后5.7°±0.8°,平均复位丢失率为11.2%±1.2%,与切开组(13.1%±0.6%)相比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组均未出现医源性神经根损伤及其他手术相关并发症. 结论后路经皮椎弓根螺钉经伤椎固定是治疗不需椎管减压的胸腰椎骨折的较好方法,其与传统切开短节段固定手术相比,疗效好,患者恢复快.     

一期后路伤椎次全切除三柱重建治疗严重胸腰椎骨折脱位

目的探讨后路伤椎次全切除三柱重建治疗严重胸腰椎骨折脱位的恢复情况疗效。方法采用一期后路伤椎次全切除、钛网植骨支撑、椎管减压、椎弓根螺钉固定治疗22例严重胸腰椎骨折脱位患者。记录手术时间、术中出血量及并发症情况;采用ASIA分级评价患者术后神经功能恢复情况;通过X线和CT检查评估术后Cobb角、椎管占位及植骨融合情况。结果手术时间180～310(211.82±36.09)min;术中出血量:1 500 ml 5例,1 000～1 500 ml 15例,1 000 ml 2例。22例均获得随访,时间12～36个月。并发症:脑脊液漏2例,一过性神经根损伤2例,钛网倾斜6例。末次随访ASIA分级:A级9例无恢复;B级10例恢复至C级7例、D级2例,1例无恢复;C级3例恢复至D级2例、E级1例。Cobb角:术前为23.95°±3.86°,术后1周为6.41°±1.22°,矫正度为17.76°±5.73°,与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时为7.23°±1.78°,角度丢失为0.91°±1.36°,与术后1周比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。Wolter指数:术前为1～3(1.91±0.70),术后为0。患者植骨均顺利融合,内固定无松动、断裂。结论一期后路椎体次全切除钛网置入技术治疗严重胸腰椎骨折具有创伤小、减压彻底、可即刻建立三柱稳定等优点,并可减少晚期胸腰椎后凸畸形发生,是治疗严重胸腰椎骨折的一种有效术式。     

伤椎斜向长螺钉置钉治疗Denis B型胸腰椎骨折

[目的]探讨伤椎斜向长螺钉置钉治疗Denis B型胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。[方法]对2011年5月～2015年5月收治的48例Denis B型胸腰椎骨折患者的资料进行回顾性分析,其中男38例,女10例;年龄24～53岁,平均(38.52±3.25)岁。神经功能根据Frankel分级:C级8例,D级40例。均采用后路减压、伤椎斜向长螺钉置钉短节段固定治疗。比较不同时间点VAS评分、Cobb角、伤椎前缘高度比。[结果]随访时间18～36个月,平均(22.52±2.13)个月。VAS评分由术前平均(7.92±0.87)分降低到术后(2.29±0.65)分,末次随访时为(1.23±0.66)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。Frankel神经功能分级由术前C级8例,恢复至末次随访时E级5例和D级3例;术前D级40例均恢复至末次随访时E级。影像测量方面:矢状面Cobb角由术前平均(20.48±2.44)°降低到术后(1.67±0.72)°,末次随访时为(2.04±0.50)°;而伤椎前缘高度比由术前平均(37.25±4.89)%恢复到术后(88.48±3.59)%,末次随访时为(85.79±3.38)%。术前与术后影像测量指标的差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),但术后1周与末次随访时,上述两指标的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,无内固定失败、无后凸畸形发生。[结论]采用伤椎斜向长螺钉置钉短节段固定治疗Denis B型胸腰椎骨折可以良好的矫正后凸、维持伤椎高度,临床疗效满意。     

胸腰椎骨折椎弓根内固定及并发症

目的 探讨胸腰椎骨折经椎弓根内固定治疗中的常见并发症产生原因和处理对策.方法 对156例胸腰椎骨折患者进行后路椎弓根内固定术.结果 156例患者随访6～36个月,术后发生断钉6例,连接棒松脱1例,螺钉松动1例,感染1例.Frankel评分:术前A级10例,术后未恢复5例,恢复至B级2例,C级3例;术前B级7例,恢复至C级3例,D级4例;术前C级6例,恢复至D级3例,E级3例;术前D级2例,均恢复至E级.椎体前沿平均高度术前45%,术后92%;Cobb角术前平均20°,术后平均4°.结论 熟练掌握胸腰椎骨折椎弓根固定操作技术,可避免大多数并发症,有利于恢复神经功能和生理曲度.     

后路减压加短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折并脊髓损伤

目的探讨脊柱后入路减压加短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折并不全瘫的效果。方法对27例胸腰椎骨折进行后路减压、植骨及Dick、RF内固定治疗。结果术后平均随访时间为11个月(6～20个月),脊柱后凸角度(Cobb’s角)由术前的24°平均恢复到10°(5°～15°);伤椎椎体前缘高度由术前35%(10%～60%)平均恢复到90%(80%～100%)。按Frankel脊髓神经功能分级标准D级19例,E级8例。结论后入路减压加短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定具有手术操作简单、损伤小、椎管减压充分等优点,有利于脊髓功能的恢复。     

一期后路有限减压及异体骨椎板重建治疗胸腰段脊柱结核

目的探讨在一期后路病灶清除、椎间植骨融合内固定的基础上,应用有限减压及异体骨椎板重建治疗胸腰段脊柱结核的临床疗效。方法对20例胸腰段(T11～L2)脊柱结核患者采用一期后路有限减压及异体骨椎板重建手术治疗。采用后凸Cobb角、神经功能、疼痛VAS评分和植骨融合情况评价疗效。结果患者均获得随访,时间36～60(47. 0±7. 6)个月。后凸Cobb角术前为18°～41°(31. 2°±6. 6°),末次随访为12°～26°(18. 2°±4. 3°),差异有统计学意义(P 0. 01)。疼痛VAS评分术前为6～9 (7. 6±0. 9)分,末次随访为0～2(0. 7±0. 7)分,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 01)。患者在术后9～15(11. 6±2. 2)个月显示植骨融合。末次随访时ASIA分级:1例由术前B级恢复至D级,4例由术前C级恢复至D级,5例由术前C级恢复至E级,8例由术前D级恢复至E级,2例术前E级仍为E级。结论应用一期后路有限减压及异体骨椎板重建、病灶清除、椎间植骨融合内固定治疗胸腰段脊柱结核安全有效。     

后路小切口270°减压重建术与单纯前路减压植骨内固定术治疗严重胸腰椎骨折的对比研究

目的比较后路小切口270°减压重建术与单纯前路减压植骨内固定术治疗严重胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效,为术式选择提供依据。方法回顾性分析2005年12月至2008年12月采用后路小切口270°减压重建术(A组,n=13)和单纯前路减压植骨内固定术(B组,n=11)治疗严重胸腰椎骨折患者的临床和影像学资料。Frankel分级评价神经功能。X线片、CT评估伤椎Cobb角的矫正和丢失情况、椎管减压范围及植骨融合情况,并观察手术并发症。结果所有患者得到14～36个月(26个月)随访,A组平均手术时间、术中出血量及术后引流量分别为229min、1353ml及433ml;B组为212min、1107ml及261ml,两组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后Cobb角矫正度及末次随访时的丢失角度两组分别为:A组为21.8±4.4和1.0±0.9,B组为18.7±8.4和1.3±1.0,两组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。Frankel分级A组1例由术前B级恢复到C级,A、B组分别5例、4例由C级恢复到D或E级,3例、4例由术前D级恢复到术后E级,分别改善1.0、1.1级,两组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论后路小切口270°减压重建术与单纯前路减压植骨内固定术治疗严重胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效无显著差异;两者各有优缺点及其适应征,应根据骨折类型、伤椎椎体压缩程度、椎管内骨性占位程度以及是否伴有脊柱后柱结构不稳或骨折脱位来合理选择手术方式。     

经椎弓根截骨脊柱短缩术治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形

目的 观察后路经椎弓根截骨脊柱短缩术治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形的临床疗效.为陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形手术矫形提供一种安全有效的手术方式.方法 自2006年8月～2010年3月对16例陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形采用经椎弓根截骨脊柱短缩矫形术式治疗.结果 随访6～18个月,平均11个月,所有患者的腰腿疼痛症状得到缓解,术前JOA评分平均(13±1.75)分,术后平均(20.98±2.40)分,术前术后有显著性差异(P＜0.05),平均改善率0.504±0.121.术后Frankel分级5例由C级恢复到D或E级,9例由D级恢复到E级;术前后凸Cobb角(34.20±10.43)°,术后Cobb角(2.94±2.73)°,术后平均畸形矫正率85％以上.末次随访显示所有椎间截骨面骨性融合,无内固定物并发症.结论 经椎弓根截骨治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形具有减压充分、矫正率高,而且创伤较小等优点,是治疗陈旧性胸腰椎骨折并后凸畸形的良好术式.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.     

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.