后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺囊肿16例体会

目的:探讨肾上腺囊肿采用后腹腔镜手术治疗的价值.方法:分析我科采用后腹腔镜手术治疗的16例肾上腺囊肿患者的临床资料a结果:16例患者囊肿切除都取得成功,15例完全切除,1例行去顶减压术,肾上腺部分切除7例,全切2例,术中操作时间(41.2士11.5)分钟,住院时间(5.1±1.3)天,出院后随访无复发病例.结论:后腹腔镜手术安全、有效,泌尿外科医生治疗肾上腺囊肿的首选.     

后腹腔镜解剖性肾上腺肿瘤切除术的治疗体会:附46例报告

目的 探讨后腹腔镜下肾上腺手术解剖定位的方法及临床应用价值.方法 对2009年9月至2011年11月本院所收46例肾上腺肿瘤患者施行后腹腔镜下切除术,其中无功能腺瘤17例,原发性醛固酮增多症13例,皮质醇增多症12例,嗜铬细胞瘤4例.常规制备后腹腔操作空间,打开Gerota筋膜,转向后壁沿腰大肌向上分离至项壁膈肌,分离前壁腹膜肾筋膜与脂肪囊间隙,沿肾上极平面横断分离寻找肾上腺,根据术中情况行肾上腺肿瘤切除或全切除术.结果 46例均成功施行腹腔镜下切除,其中1例因与下腔静脉粘连严重而部分旷置,平均手术时间83±21 min,平均出血量42±15 ml.1例(2.1％)术中胸膜穿孔,1例(2.1％)损伤下腔静脉,均在腹腔镜下完成修补.平均术后住院时间5.2 d,随访3 ～27个月,无远期并发症,46例良性肿瘤未见复发.结论 沿着正确的解剖平面寻找分离肾上腺具有快速、出血少、定位准确的优点,后腹腔镜下肾上腺手术安全、创伤小、恢复快,应为肾上腺手术的首选方法.     

应用腹膜后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺囊肿(附27例报告)

目的:探讨腹膜后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺囊肿的方法及临床意义。方法:回顾分析2000年3月至2008年7月采用腹膜后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺囊肿27例患者的临床资料。结果:所有手术均获成功,21例行肾上腺部分切除术,6例行肾上腺全切除术,手术时间平均(35.1±11.6)min,术中平均出血(27.9±13.6)ml,平均住院(4.3±1.8)d。术后无严重并发症发生,随访12～36个月,无一例复发。结论:腹膜后腹腔镜手术可作为治疗肾上腺囊肿的标准术式。     

肾上腺囊肿的后腹腔镜手术切除

目的探讨后腹腔镜手术治疗肾上腺囊肿的临床效果。方法2002年5月-2006年12月,采用后腹腔镜手术治疗12例肾上腺囊肿。肿物大小（3.6 cm×2.2 cm）-（10.0 cm×8.0 cm）。手术均采用后腹腔途径。扩张后腹膜间隙成功后,腰部取3个套管针穿刺入路。沿腰大肌向上打开肾周筋膜,游离肾上极和肾上腺周围的脂肪组织,超声刀沿肾表面分离出肾上极和肾上腺囊肿。沿囊肿周围约1 cm的肾上腺正常组织切下囊肿。结果12例手术全部成功,无中转开放。手术时间50-120 min,平均65 min。术中出血10-150 ml,平均45 ml。术后住院3-7 d,平均4.5 d。2例较大囊肿术中囊肿破裂,吸净囊液后将囊壁完整切除,未出现切口感染。所有病例随访2-55月,平均32个月,未发现囊肿复发。结论后腹腔镜手术创伤小,出血少,病人康复快,住院时间短,可作为治疗肾上腺囊肿的首选方法。     

经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术初步探讨

目的探讨经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术的安全性和可行性。 方法2015年1月1日至2018年12月30日,临沂市人民医院共收治252例肾上腺肿瘤患者。其中行经腹腔入路腹腔镜肾上腺手术115例(经腹腔组),行经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术137例(经脂肪囊内组)。经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术方法：手术常规建立腹膜后空间,打开肾筋膜后直接经肾脏中上极与肾周脂肪囊之间的无血管层面分离、解剖肾上腺,行肾上腺全切术或部分切除术。分析、比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院时间等临床资料。 结果经腹腔入路腹腔镜肾上腺手术115例及经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术137例均顺利完成,无一例中转开放手术。经腹腔入路腹腔镜肾上腺手术平均手术时间(52.7±19.7)min,平均术中出血量(33.1±23.2)ml,平均术后住院时间(3.5±0.9)d。经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术平均手术时间(54.4±22.7)min,平均术中出血量(31.8±21.4)ml,平均术后住院时间(2.8±0.4)d。两组比较,手术时间、术中出血量无统计学差异,经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术组术后住院时间缩短,差异有统计学意义。 结论经肾周脂肪囊内入路后腹腔镜肾上腺手术解剖肾上腺操作简便,患者术后康复较快,是安全可行的手术方式。     

后腹腔镜解剖性肾上腺切除术

目的介绍后腹腔镜解剖性肾上腺切除术的手术方法及临床效果。方法2000年2月至2005年10月,对800例患者采取后腹腔镜解剖性肾上腺切除术。常规制备后腹腔操作空间。切开Gerota筋膜后,按顺序分别进入3个相对无血管解剖层面进行分离。第一分离层面位于肾脏内上方脂肪囊与前层Ger0ta筋膜之间,此层面可以在手术初期快速找到肾上腺;第二分离层面位于肾外上方脂肪囊与后层Gerota筋膜之间;第三分离层面位于肾上腺下方与肾上极之间。最后处理肾上腺中央静脉。依术前诊断和术中情况选择行肾上腺全切或次全切术。结果除1例嗜铬细胞瘤(肿瘤直径7.8 cm)患者因肾上腺肿瘤与肝脏及下腔静脉粘连紧密行中转开放手术外,全部手术均成功完成。平均手术时间(45±19)min,平均术中出血量(25±11)ml。恢复饮食和下床活动时间分别为1.2 d和1.0 d。12例(1.5%)出现术后皮下气肿、皮下血肿或切口感染。除6例特发性肾上腺增生患者术后1年高血压复发外,其余患者临床症状均消失或明显好转。结论后腹腔镜解剖性肾上腺切除术解剖层次清楚,术野清晰.疗效确切,为肾上腺外科疾病的治疗提供了更加安全的选择。     

后腹腔镜下解剖性肾切除术405例经验总结

目的 探讨后腹腔镜下解剖性肾切除术的安全性和有效性,规范后腹腔镜下肾切除术术式. 方法回顾性分析后腹腔镜下解剖性肾切除术405例患者资料.男232例,女173例.平均年龄(57.2±14.2)岁.肾癌行后腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术228例,肾盂癌及输尿管癌分别行后腹腔镜下肾输尿管全长切除术96例及49例,肾脏良性疾病致肾功能丧失行后腹腔镜下肾切除术32例.根治性切除在Gerota筋膜外进行,切除界限背侧为Gerota筋膜与侧椎筋膜问、腹侧为Gerota筋膜与肾前融合筋膜间的潜在间隙;良性肾切除则直接切开Gerota筋膜,于Gerota筋膜与肾周脂肪囊问的疏松纤维组织间进行游离.在肾脏外周数个相对无血管平面间进行分离、切割,完整切除肾脏、肾周脂肪囊. 结果后腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术和单纯肾切除术平均手术时间(132±48)min,肾盂癌和输尿管癌平均手术时间(245±62)min.失血量中位值100(10～2500)ml,术后引流量中位值150(0～1152)ml.输血15例(3.70%),输血量中位值400(400～1650)ml.中转开放4例(0.99%),黏连严重2例,肾蒂暴露困难及出血各1例.平均拔管时间(3.9±1.8)d,术后平均进食时间(2.7±1.2)d,术后平均住院日(8.6±3.8)d. 结论后腹腔镜下解剖性肾切除术利用后腹腔镜下的放大优势,在肾脏周围的数个相对无血管平面进行游离,解剖层次清楚,符合外科原则,手术时间短,出血量较少,术后引流量较少,是后腹腔镜下肾切除的首选术式和发展方向.     

腹膜后腹腔镜肾上腺部分切除术与全切除术治疗醛固酮瘤的对比研究

目的 比较腹膜后腹腔镜肾上腺部分切除术与全切除术治疗肾上腺醛固酮瘤的治疗效果.方法 回顾性分析我院94 例醛固酮瘤临床资料.34 例行后腹腔镜下肾上腺全切除术,60 例行后腹腔镜下肾上腺部分切除术.术后随访6~60 个月,平均24.5 个月.结果 行肾上腺全切组手术时间(40.0±12.0)min,术中失血量(23.5±9.5)ml,拔引流管时间(2.5±1.2)d,肿瘤大小(20.0±5.0)mm,术后住院天数(6.5±2.0)d.行肾上腺部分切除组手术时间(48.0±13.0)min,术中失血量(25.5±10.0)ml,拔引流管时间(2.8±1.4)d;肿瘤大小(18.5±4.5)mm;术后住院天数(7.0±2.5)d.肾上腺全切除组和部分切除组的肿瘤大小、术中失血量、住院时间和拔引流管时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).全切除组手术时间短于部分切除组(P<0.05).全切组术和部分切除组术后有效率分别为100%(34/34)和96.7%(58/60),两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 单发肾上腺醛固酮瘤适合于肾上腺部分切除术,肿瘤多灶性是保留肾上腺组织手术治疗无效的主要原因.对于部分切除术治疗无效患者,再次行患侧肾上腺全切除或肿瘤切除均可获得良好疗效.     

后腹腔镜下解剖性根治性肾切除术168例

目的 介绍后腹腔镜下解剖性根治性肾切除术的手术方法及临床效果. 方法对168例肾癌患者实施后腹腔镜下解剖性根治性.肾切除术.肿瘤位于左肾87例,右肾81例.肿瘤直径2.0～6.9 cm,平均4.7 cm.T1.N0M0 92例,T10N0M0.76例.常规制备后腹腔间隙.按顺序分别进入4个相对无血管解部层面进行分离.第一分离层面位于腰肌前间隙,此层面可以在手术初期快速找到肾蒂;第__二分离层面位于Gerota筋膜前叶与融合筋膜之间;第三分离层面位于肾上腺与肾上极之间或膈肌与肾上腺间隙;第四分离层面位丁Gerota筋膜的锥尖部. 结果 168例手术均成功完成,平均手术时间(138±46)min,平均术中出血量(90±30)ml.恢复饮食和下床活动时间分别为1.3 d和1.2 d.术后平均住院日5.8 d.14例发生腹膜破口,未影响手术进行.18例术后有不同程度肩痈,2 d后自行消失.123例随访6～18个月,平均8个月,均无瘤生存. 结论 后腹腔镜下解削性根治性肾切除术具有解剖层次清楚、术中出血少、术野清晰、疗效确切、并发症少、恢复快等优点,为需要根治性肾切除术的患者提供了更好的选择.     

后腹腔镜肾癌根治术中保留肾上腺处置策略的研究

目的:复习后腹腔镜下肾及肾上腺关系的应用解剖,探讨后腹腔镜肾癌根治术中保留肾上腺的处置策略。方法:2009年6月至2012年4月收治105例局限性肾癌患者,其中左侧48例,右侧57例;肿瘤最大径1.5～7.5 cm,平均4.3 cm。均根据以下策略保留肾上腺:(1)经后腹腔途径处理肾蒂血管后,于肾门区域内侧、肾上腺下方游离至肾前筋膜内侧,抬高肾上极,使其具有一定张力,于肾脏后上方游离肾上腺底部,至肾上极内上方,使两者分离;(2)进一步向肾脏上极内侧游离至肾前筋膜内侧,使肾上腺与肾周脂肪完全脱离。结果:105例手术均获成功,无一例中转开放手术。手术时间31～80 min,平均43 min;出血量10～150 ml,平均30 ml;术后3～7 d出院。术中3例发生肾上腺外侧支稍撕裂。结论:根据后腹腔镜下肾及肾上腺的解剖特点,此处置策略使手术操作更加直接,暴露良好,受肾上极弧度及肾周脂肪干扰小;分离肾上腺后稍加推进,即可使肾上腺与肾周脂肪完全脱离,使肾上极的游离更加简便、省时,撕裂肾上腺的几率降低。     

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.     

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.