微创经皮肾镜取石和经尿道输尿管镜碎石治疗输尿管上段嵌顿性结石的疗效比较

目的比较微创经皮肾镜穿刺取石术（minimally invasive precutaneous nephrolithotomy,MPCNL）与经尿道输尿管镜碎石术（transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy,URL）治疗输尿管上段嵌顿结石的疗效。方法从2008年03月～2012年03月,70例单侧嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的患者,35例采用MPCNL治疗,35例采用URL治疗,对2组患者的结石清除率、手术时间、术中出血、住院时间以及手术并发症等进行分析比较。结果 MPCNL组术后3d结石清除率为97.14%（34/35）,术后1个月结石清除率为100%（35/35）;URL组术后3d结石清除率为25.71%（9/35）,术后1个月的结石清除率为82.86%（29/35）,均显著低于MPCNL组（P〈0.05）;在手术时间、术中出血、住院时间、术后发热（T〉38.5℃）的发生率等方面,MPCNL组和URL组在统计学上无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论 MPCNL治疗输尿管上段嵌顿性结石相较URL,其结石清除率高,且具有安全、有效、术后并发症少等的优点,可作为输尿管上段嵌顿性结石的首选治疗方法。     

微创经皮肾镜碎石与输尿管镜碎石术治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的疗效比较

目的：比较微创经皮肾镜碎石术（minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy ,MPCNL）与输尿管镜碎石术（ ureteroscopic lithotripsy ,URL）治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析2007年6月～2013年6月226例嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的临床资料,其中116例采用MPCNL治疗,110例采用URL治疗,比较两组结石清除率、手术时间、并发症发生率。结果 MPCNL组术后3 d结石清除率96．6％（112/116）,1个月后的结石清除率为99．1％（115/116）。URL组术后3 d结石清除率为47．3％（52/110）,49例残留结石＞0．4 cm,接受ESWL 治疗,1个月后结石清除率为83．6％（92/110）。结石清除率MPCNL组高于URL组（χ2＝68．873、17．619,P均＝0．000）。2组手术时间以及出血＞400 ml、发热和肾绞痛等并发症发生率差异无显著性（ P＞0．05）。结论 MPCNL治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石有很高的结石清除率;URL治疗效果稍差,而且需要结合ESWL治疗才能提高疗效。 MPCNL可作为嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的首选治疗方法。     

经皮肾与经尿道输尿管镜术治疗输尿管上段嵌顿结石的疗效比较

目的比较微创经皮肾输尿管镜取石术（mini-PCNL）与经尿道输尿管镜取石术（URL）治疗输尿管上段嵌顿性结石的疗效。方法182例输尿管上段嵌顿性结石患者中95例采用mini-PCNL治疗，87例采用URL治疗，共24例接受ESWL辅助治疗。结果mini—PCNL组术后1个月清石率100%，URL组术后1个月清石率92％。结论与URL相比，mini-PCNL技术处理输尿管上段嵌顿性结石更为优越。     

微创经皮肾镜取石术与输尿管镜下碎石术治疗输尿管上段嵌顿性结石的疗效比较

目的 比较微创经皮肾镜取石术(mPCNL)与输尿管镜下碎石术(URL)治疗输尿管上段嵌顿性结石中的疗效及安全性。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2019年2月在本院收治的85例输尿管上段嵌顿性结石患者的临床资料。38例患者采用mPCNL术（mPCNL组），47例患者采用URL术（URL组），比较两组患者的手术时间、术后住院时间、并发症发生率、术后3～5 d的结石清除率、术后30 d的结石清除率情况。结果 mPCNL组手术时间、术后住院时间明显大于URL组，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 手术效果方面，mPCNL组术后3～5 d结石清除率[100%（38/38）]明显高于URL组[85.1%（40/47）]，术后1个月mPCNL组结石清除率[100%（38/38）]明显高于URL组[93.6%（44/47）]，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 术后并发症方面，mPCNL组总并发症发生率为13.2%（5/38）、URL组为128%（6/47），差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 mPCNL与URL对输尿管上段嵌顿性结石均具有良好疗效，而mPCNL在不明显增加手术并发症的基础上具有更好的结石清除率，可作为一种常规方法。     

嵌顿性输尿管上段结石三种微创术式的疗效比较

目的比较微创经皮肾穿刺取石术(MPCNL)、经尿道输尿管镜碎石术(URL)以及后腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术(RPLU)治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的疗效。方法140例单侧嵌顿性输尿管上段结石患者,URL组55例,MPCNL组48例,RPLU组37例。术后辅助体外冲击波碎石(ESWL)治疗,其中URL组25例,MPCNL组1例,RPLU组无。术后3d及1个月后统计结石清除率。结果MPCNL组术后3d结石清除率为94%(45/48),术后1个月结石清除率为100%(48/48)。URL组术后3d结石清除率为56%(31/55),术后1个月结石清除率86%(47/55),RPLU组1例因结石上移改开放手术取石成功,术后3d结石清除率为97%(35/36),术后1个月结石清除率100%(37/37),三组并发症发生率无统计学差异。结论对于输尿管上段嵌顿结石,如结石体积较大,肾积水较明显且结石位置接近肾盂者,更适合选择MPCNL治疗;如结石位置偏低,积水较少以及不适宜全麻的患者,或患者主动要求可考虑经尿道输尿管镜手术;对于合适选择性的病例,可行腹腔镜手术,同时可作为经尿道输尿管镜手术失败的补救治疗措施。     

经皮肾镜取石和经尿道输尿管镜碎石治疗输尿管上段结石的疗效比较

目的:比较微创经皮肾镜取石术(MPCNL)与经尿道输尿管镜碎石术(URL)治疗输尿管上段结石的方法。方法:200例单侧输尿管上段结石的患者,90例采用MPCNL进行治疗;110例采用URL治疗,其中46例接受辅助ESWL治疗。结果:MPCNL组术后3天结石清除率为97.7%(88/90),术后1个月结石清除率为100%(90/90)。URL术后3天结石清除率为25.4%(28/110),术后1个月结石清除率为81.8%(90/110),均显著低于MPCNL组(P<0.05)。结论:MPCNL治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石有很高的结石清除率,URL手术治疗效果稍差,可以联合ESWL提高疗效。     

微创经皮肾镜与后腹腔镜治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的比较研究

目的比较微创经皮肾镜取石术（minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy,MPCNL）与后腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术（retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy,RLUL）治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的有效性及安全性。方法2003年9月～2008年6月,对73例伴有肾积水的单侧嵌顿性输尿管上段结石,46例采用MPCNL治疗（MPCNL组）,27例采用RLUL治疗（RLUL组）,比较2组的结石清除率及手术并发症。结果RLUL组手术时间为（92.6±23.3）min,显著长于MPCNL组的（66.7±20.3）min（t=-4.967,P=0.000）。术后3d的结石清除率MPCNL组为93.5%（43/46）,RLUL组为100.0%（27/27）,差异无显著性（χ2=0.554,P=0.457）。术后3d血红蛋白下降MPCNL组为（0.59±0.30）g/L,显著高于RLUL组的（0.38±0.21）g/L（t=3.223,P=0.002）。术后MPCNL组有4例（8.7%）出现38.5℃以上发热,与RLUL组1例（3.7%）差异无显著性（χ2=0.112,P=0.737）。术后RLUL组有1例（3.7%）尿漏,与MPCNL组（0/46）差异无显著性（χ2=0.074,P=0.786）。结论MPCNL与RLUL在治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石上都具有满意的疗效与安全性,RLUL术中出血较少,但手术时间长,在有条件且技术成熟的医院可适当开展。     

微创经皮肾穿刺取石和经尿道输尿管镜碎石治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的疗效比较

目的：比较微创经皮肾穿刺取石术(MPCNL)与经尿道输尿管镜碎石术(URL)治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石的疗效。方法：对202例单侧嵌顿性输尿管上段结石患者，92例采用MPCNL治疗(MPCNL组)，110例采用URL治疗(URL组)，其中46例接受辅助的ESWL治疗。结果：MPCNL组术后3天结石清除率为94．6％(87／92)，术后1个月结石清除率为100％(92／92)。URL组术后3天结石清除率为20．9％(23／110)，术后1个月结石清除率为84．5％(93／110)。结论：MPCNL治疗嵌顿性输尿管上段结石有很高的结石清除率；URL治疗效果稍差，可以联合体外冲击波碎石来提高疗效。但二者可以根据患者病情酌加选用。     

输尿管上段嵌顿结石经皮肾输尿管碎石术疗效观察

目的探讨输尿管上段嵌顿结石经皮肾输尿管碎石术(MPCNL)的疗效。方法将50例输尿管上段嵌顿结石的患者随机分为对照组和观察组,每组25例。对照组实施经尿道输尿管镜碎石术(URL),观察组实施MPCNL。比较2组治疗效果和并发症发生情况。结果观察组手术时间、住院时间均少于对照组,观察组术后3 d和术后1个月结石清除率均显著高于对照组,2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05)。2组术中出血量及并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P﹥0.05)。结论与URL比较。MPCNL治疗输尿管上段嵌顿结石,结石清除率高,并发症无明显增加,疗效肯定。     

经皮肾镜取石术与输尿管镜碎石术治疗上段嵌顿性输尿管结石患者的Meta分析

目的:评价经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)与输尿管镜碎石术(URL)治疗上段嵌顿性输尿管结石患者的有效性及安全性,为临床的合理治疗提供参考。方法:计算机检索Cochrane图书馆(2013年第6期)、Medline、EMBASE、Web of Knowledge、ScienceDirect、OVID及CBM、CNKI、万方等数据库,收集上述两种手术方式对上段输尿管嵌顿性结石患者的随机对照和非随机对照试验,并提取相关数据后采用RevMan 5.1软件进行Meta分析。结果:总共纳入7项研究,随机对照试验4项,非随机对照试验3项。随机对照试验中PCNL较URL患者术后3日内结石清除率高(OR=14.78;95%CI 6.60~33.09)、二次手术率低(OR=0.13;95%CI 0.03~0.66)、术后住院时间长(OR=3.51;95%CI 2.05~4.98),但术后发热情况差异无统计学意义(P0.05);非随机对照试验中PCNL较URL的术后3日内结石清除率高(OR=21.63;95%CI 3.92~119.30)、二次手术率低(OR=0.05;95%CI 0.01~0.25)、术后住院时间长(OR=2.85;95%CI 2.40~3.31),术后血尿更多见(OR=2.37;95%CI1.16~4.85),但术后发热情况差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:PCNL治疗上段嵌顿性输尿管结石患者较URL效果更理想。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Intraoperative autotransfusion is associated with modest reduction of allogeneic transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery

Background: The efficacy of intraoperative salvage and washing of wound blood and the predictors of allogeneic red cell transfusions in prosthetic hip surgery are insufficiently known.
Methods: In 96 patients, undergoing primary or revision surgery, salvaged and washed red cells and, if necessary, allogeneic blood were used to keep haematocrit not lower than 33%. The bleeding of red cells during hospital stay was calculated from the red cell balance. The preoperative red cell reserve (millilitres of red cells in excess of a haematocrit of 33%) was estimated and the difference between this volume and the total bleeding of red cells was retrospectively used to classify patients with regard to the need for red cells. Stepwise regression analysis was used to define patient-related variables associated with allogeneic blood transfusion.
Results: Preoperative knowledge of the type of operation (primary, revision), the preoperative red cell reserve, and the body mass could predict roughly half of the need for banked blood (r²=0.45). Only one-third of the total bleeding of red cells was retransfused. For complete avoidance of allogeneic blood, autotransfusion was most effective in patients with a moderate need (0–4 u). However, 32% of such patients required allogeneic blood.
Conclusions: Autotransfusion has a limited efficacy to decrease the need for allogeneic blood, and other blood-saving methods should be added for this purpose. It is difficult to predict the need for allogeneic blood preoperatively.     

缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响

目的    观察缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌外泌体的影响,探讨外泌体在缺氧致肾脏损伤中的作用及机制。 方法    （1）常氧（21% O₂）及缺氧（1% O₂）分别处理大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）48 h,收集细胞上清液并使用高速梯度离心法分离外泌体。采用透射电镜、纳米示踪分析、Western印迹、蛋白浓度定量鉴定并比较两组外泌体的基本特性。（2）在共培养实验中,以不同浓度（1、10、50、100、300 mg/L）的常氧外泌体、缺氧外泌体分别干预脂多糖（LPS）诱导的大鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞,使用实时荧光定量PCR与酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法分别检测巨噬细胞白细胞介素6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、诱导型氮氧化物合酶（iNOS）水平;使用Western印迹法检测巨噬细胞磷酸化（p）STAT/STAT及细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白1（SOCS1）的蛋白表达;最后,使用实时荧光定量PCR法检测常氧外泌体与缺氧外泌体中炎性反应相关微RNA（microRNA,miR）的表达差异。 结果    （1）离心得到的囊泡具有外泌体典型的结构,粒径小于150 nm,表达外泌体标志蛋白CD63,说明分离得到外泌体。缺氧对肾小管上皮细胞分泌的外泌体形态、粒径分布比例无明显影响,但提高了外泌体的分泌量。（2）缺氧外泌体相比于常氧外泌体促进了LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS 的表达和分泌（均P＜0.01）,同时提高STAT的磷酸化水平并减少SOCS1的蛋白表达（均P＜0.01）;对炎性反应相关microRNA检测发现缺氧外泌体中miR-155、miR-27a表达量较常氧外泌体明显升高（P＜0.05）。 结论    缺氧可改变外泌体的生物学功能,表现为协同促进LPS诱导的M1型巨噬细胞的表型转化,这可能是慢性肾脏病微炎性反应状态持续的原因之一。     

In Vitro Function and Durability Assessment of a Novel Polyurethane Heart Valve Prosthesis

Abstract While flexible-leaflet, central-flow prosthetic heart valves promise relief from anticoagulation therapy, they continue to be restricted by inadequate durability. In consequence, a novel trileaflet valve, made entirely from polyurethane, has been developed. A batch of 6 consecutively manufactured polyurethane valves was subjected to hydrodynamic function and accelerated fatigue testing. Computerized data acquisition and control systems have been introduced to improve valve testing methodologies. In terms of hydrodynamic function, the polyurethane valve demonstrates transvalvular pressure gradients similar to those for a bioprosthetic valve (Carpentier-Edwards) and levels of retrograde flow significantly less than those for either the bioprosthetic valve or a bileaflet mechanical valve (St Jude Medical). The equivalent of 10 years of cycling without failure has been exceeded by all 6 polyurethane valves in accelerated fatigue tests with 2 valves remaining intact after 674 million cycles (equivalent to approximately 17 years) in continuing tests. Highspeed photography revealed considerable differences in leaflet motion between valves cycled at accelerated and physiological rates.     

Negative pressure ventilation vs. spontaneous assisted ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy: A controlled randomised trial

Background: Ventilation during interventional rigid bronchoscopy (IRB) under general anaesthesia (jet ventilation, positive pressure ventilation and spontaneous assisted ventilation) may offer some difficulties. This study compares the effectiveness during IRB of intermittent negative pressure ventilation (INPV) and spontaneous assisted ventilation (SAV). Methods: Thirty-eight patients submitted to IRB were randomised into two groups: SAV or INPV. All patients received a total intravenous anaesthesia; INPV patients were paralysed. Pre-and intra-operative arterial blood gases and O₂ flow through a rigid bronchoscope were assessed. The endoscopist applying a subjective score evaluated the operating conditions. Results: Patients of the INPV group, as compared to the SAV group, required a lower dosage of fentanyl (2.6 ± 1.8 (μg · kg^?1· h^?1 vs. 6.6 ± 4.8 μg · kg^?1· h^?1), a lower O₂ supply (3.3 ± 2.8 1/min vs. 11.6 ± 3.4 1/min), a shorter recovery time (5.4 ± 2.9 min vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 min) and no manually assisted ventilation (0 ± 0 vs. 1 ± 1.1 nd?/procedure). Intraoperative PaCO₂ was higher in the SAV (8.1 ± 1.3 kPa) than in the INPV group (5.0 ± 1.6 kPa) and intraoperative pH differed in the two groups (7.26 ± 0.05, SAV vs. 7.47 ± 0.08, INPV). Operating conditions, as assessed by a subjective score, were considered better with INPV than with SAV (4.9 vs. 4.3). Conclusions: As compared to SAV, INPV in paralysed patients during IRB reduces administration of opioids, shortens recovery time, prevents respiratory acidosis, excludes the need for manually assisted ventilation, reduces 02 need and affords optimal surgical conditions. INPV appears a safe, non-invasive and effective ventilatory management during IRB.