腹腔镜辅助远端胃癌根治术的临床应用

目的探讨腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术的可行性及手术方法。方法行腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术15例,D1清扫3例,D2/D2 12例。全部病例均行毕Ⅱ式胃空肠吻合。结果15例成功进行腹腔镜手术。手术时间平均(218.6±31.6)min,术中出血量平均(132.4±21.3)ml,清扫淋巴结平均(33.4±13.6)个。肿瘤近端切缘(6.6±0.9)cm,远端切缘(5.4±0.6)cm,术后肛门排气时间平均(3.5±0.6)d,无手术死亡,无吻合口漏,术后并发肺部感染1例,经治疗后痊愈。术后随访1~10个月,无肿瘤复发或转移。结论腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术能达到与开腹胃癌标准根治术(D2)的淋巴结清扫范围及肿瘤切缘,且具有创伤小、出血少、术后恢复快等优点。     

早期胃癌腹腔镜与开腹根治术的对照研究

目的评价腹腔镜胃癌根治术治疗早期胃癌的可行性、安全性、肿瘤根治性以及术后近期疗效.方法回顾性分析2004年8月至2007年8月间68例接受外科手术的早期胃癌的临床和手术资料,其中腹腔镜胃癌根治术31例,开腹胃癌根治术37例;并比较两组的手术时间、术中出血、术后胃肠道恢复、术后住院天数、术后并发症、术后病理及随访等结果.结果全部31例早期胃癌均在腹腔镜下完成胃切除和淋巴结清扫,无中转开腹,其中远端胃大部切除术28例,近端胃大部切除术2例,全胃切除术1例;D1 α式淋巴结清扫16例、D1 β式淋巴结清扫2例,D2淋巴结清扫13例.腹腔镜胃癌根治术的平均手术时间为194.8±50.8 min,与开腹组无显著性差异;术中出血量(138.7±157.3)ml,显著低于开腹组(P＜0.05).腹腔镜手术后肠道恢复功能时间1.8(1～4)d,显著少于开腹组(P＜0.01).腹腔镜组术后并发症发生率为3.2%,与开腹组无显著性差异(P＞0.05).腹腔镜组清扫淋巴结数(9.6±4.4)枚,测量胃近端和远端正常切缘(3.8±1.6)cm及(3.5±1.3)cm,与开腹组比较无显著性差异.术后中位随访15(2～35)个月,腹腔镜组无肿瘤复发或者死亡,开腹组一例因腹膜复发而死亡.结论腹腔镜胃癌根治术是治疗早期胃癌安全、可行、微创、有效的方法.     

腹腔镜辅助下进展期胃癌根治术的临床应用(附47例报告)

目的 研究腹腔镜在进展期胃癌中根治术能否满足胃癌手术切缘及D2淋巴结清扫的根治要求.方法 对47例行腹腔镜辅助下胃癌根治术的进展期胃癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 腹腔镜辅助下根治性近端胃大部切除术25例,根治性远端胃大部切除术11例,全胃根治术10例,1例中转开腹;手术时间(220±55)min,术中出血(150±87)ml.术后肛门排气时间、下床活动时间、术后住院时间分别为(5.1±0.5)d、(3.2±0.8)d、(9.0±1.5)d;腹腔镜辅助远端胃大部切除术11例,手术时间(284±37)min,术中出血(120±70)ml.术后肛门排气时间、下床活动时间、术后住院时间分别为(4.0±0.8)d、(3.2±1.5)d、(9.0±2.0)d.腹腔镜辅助全胃切除术10例,手术时间(330±50)min,术中出血(240±65)ml.术后肛门排气时间、下床活动时间、术后住院时间分别为(4.1±0.8)d、(3.2±0.8)d、(9.5±2.0)d.淋巴结清扫平均数(21.95±9.88)个,近端切缘与肿瘤距平均距离(6.41±2.13)cm;远端切缘与肿瘤平均距离(6.22±1.98)cm.无术中及术后并发症,近期疗效良好.结论 腹腔镜在进展期胃癌中根治术是安全可行的,能达到胃癌标准根治术(D2)的淋巴结清扫范围和肿瘤切缘,远期疗效有待进一步观察.     

腹腔镜胃癌根治术

目的 评价腹腔镜胃癌根治术(D2)的可行性、安全性以及术后近期疗效. 方法回顾性分析2005年5月至2006年8月间15例行腹腔镜胃癌根治术患者的临床资料,包括手术时间、术中出血量、术后胃肠道功能恢复时间、术后并发症、术后病理及随访结果.结果 本组15例患者手术全部成功,术中无1例中转开腹.其中5例行完全腹腔镜远端胃切除术,5例行腹腔镜辅助远端胃切除术,4例行腹腔镜全胃切除术,1例行腹腔镜近端胃切除术.手术时间平均为(280±42)min,术中出血量平均为(274±136)ml,术后胃肠道功能恢复时间平均为(2.9±0.8)d,淋巴结清扫数平均为(28±6)枚,无并发症发生.术后随访15例患者9～36个月,无复发转移.结论 腹腔镜胃癌根治术安全可行,且具有创伤轻、恢复快等优点.     

腹腔镜辅助下胃癌D2根治术的临床研究

目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助下胃癌D2根治术的手术方法、可行性及临床效果.方法回顾性分析我院2004年6月-2007年6月行腹腔镜辅助下胃癌D2根治术42例患者的临床资料.结果 本组42例均行腹腔镜辅助下胃癌D2根治术,其中远端胃大部切除术20例,近端胃大部切除术15例,全胃切除术7例,无中转开腹,无手术死亡.平均手术时间:远端胃大部切除术(285±60)min,近端胃大部切除术(178±62)min,全胃切除术(323±86)min;术中平均出血量:远端胃大部切除术(140±52)ml,近端胃大部切除术(196±85)ml,全胃切除术(234±76)ml;淋巴结清扫12～40枚,平均(25±10)枚;术后患者平均胃肠道功能恢复时间75 h.术后随访1～36个月,平均9.7个月,2例十二指肠残端瘘行保守治疗痊愈.结论对早期及部分进展期胃癌行腹腔镜辅助下胃癌D2根治术技术可行,同时具备创伤小、恢复快、出血少等优点.     

腹腔镜下胃癌全胃切除术79例的体会

目的 探讨腹腔镜下胃癌行全胃切除术的可行性及效果.方法 对2004年6月至2006年12月共行腹腔镜下根治性全胃切除术79例,其中行D1及D1+淋巴结清扫12例,D2/D2+淋巴结清扫67例.肿瘤位于胃近端者19例,位于胃体者41例,皮革胃2例,位于胃窦并浸润至胃小弯中上部者17例进行分析.结果 79例中77例成功进行腹腔镜手术,2例中转开腹,中转率为2.5%.平均手术时间(275.8±20.8) min,平均出血量(163.3±48.6) ml,平均每例清扫淋巴结(34.7±12.2) 枚,肿瘤近残端(3.8±1.2) cm,远残端(6.9±2.8) cm.术后肛门排气时间(3.6±0.9) d,下床活动时间(2.5±0.4) d.无术后死亡,无吻合口漏,术后发生并发症7例均经内科治疗痊愈.术后随访9～39个月,平均25.6个月,15例患者因肿瘤复发死亡,余64例仍生存.结论 腹腔镜下全胃切除联合胃癌标准根治术是安全可行的,能达到开腹手术的淋巴结清扫范围,且具有创伤小、出血少、恢复快、并发症率低等优点.     

腹腔镜下胃近端癌根治术的探讨

目的 探讨腹腔镜下胃近端癌根治性手术的可行性及其效果.方法 回顾性分析我们于2004年5月～2006年10月行腹腔镜下根治性胃近端癌手术53例的临床资料.其中,行D1 α/β淋巴结清扫6例,D2/D2 清扫47例.全胃切除术18例,近端胃大部切除术35例.结果 本组有49例成功进行腹腔镜手术.中转开腹4例,中转率为7.5%.根治性近端胃切除术平均手术时间(215.8±22.8)min,全胃切除手术时间(289.8±35.8)min;平均出血量(139.34±82.7)ml;清扫淋巴结(28.9±11.0)枚;肿瘤近残端(3.6±1.3)cm,远残端(6.4±1.1)cm.术后肛门排气时间(3.1±0.9)d,下床活动时间(2.8±0.6)d.无术后死亡病例.吻合口漏1例及其它并发症7例均经内科治疗痊愈.术后随访2～31月,平均18.6月.因肿瘤复发死亡11例,另3例复发病人尚健在.结论 腹腔镜胃近端癌根治术能达到胃癌标准根治术(D2)的淋巴结清扫范围,且具有创伤小、出血少、恢复快、并发症发生率低及减少开胸手术机会等优点.     

腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术21例初步体会

目的:总结腹腔镜胃癌根治术开展初期的临床资料。方法:回顾分析21例腹腔镜远端胃癌根治术的经验。D1/D1+α或β/D2淋巴结清扫18例,其中毕Ⅰ式胃肠吻合11例,毕Ⅱ式7例;中转开腹姑息性手术3例。结果:本组无手术死亡病例,手术时间150～230min,标本远近切缘均无癌细胞残留,清扫淋巴结数11～32个。术后1～3d恢复胃肠功能,无手术并发症发生。结论:腹腔镜胃癌根治术安全可行,近期疗效达到或好于开放手术。手术成功的关键是血管处理、淋巴结清扫和结肠系膜前叶剥除。     

腹腔镜胃癌D2根治术218例疗效评价

目的 探讨腹腔镜胃癌D2根治术的可行性及其疗效.方法 2007年1月至2009年3月,对529例胃癌患者施行胃癌D2根治术,其中腹腔镜手术患者(腹腔镜组)218例,开腹手术患者(开腹组)311例.对两组患者的术中及术后情况、淋巴结清扫数目、并发症及病死率等进行比较分析.结果 腹腔镜组手术时间为(237±42)min长于开腹组的(229±42)min,而两组术中出血量[(81±100)ml比(171±211)ml]、术中输血例数(7例比44例)、术后胃肠功能恢复时间[(4.1 ±2.3)d比(5.0±1.4)d]、首次进流质时间[(4.5±2.2)d比(5.5 ±1.4)d]和术后住院时间[(12±4)d比(14±4)d]等差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),腹腔镜组均优于开腹组.在腹腔镜组中,全胃切除术的手术时间为(250±46)min,显著长于远端胃大部切除术的(228±37)min(P<0.05),而两种术式在其他方面均无显著差异.腹腔镜组和开腹组术后并发症发生率分别为11.9%和19.0%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).腹腔镜胃癌手术的中转开腹率为6.0%.全组患者平均淋巴结清扫数目为(29±10)枚,中位数为28枚.腹腔镜组和开腹组患者平均淋巴结清扫数目分别为(28±10)枚和(29±9)枚,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 腹腔镜胃癌D2根治术具有安全、术后恢复快和并发症少等优点,同时在淋巴结清扫方面能达到与开腹手术相同的效果.     

腹腔镜与开腹胃癌根治术D2淋巴结清扫的比较研究

目的探讨腹腔镜下胃癌根治术D2淋巴结清扫的可行性。方法回顾性分析我科2007年1月～2009年3月手术治疗的110例胃癌的临床、病理资料。7例伴有远处转移,1例行腹腔镜下胃局部切除未行D2淋巴结清扫,根据排除标准予以剔除。其余102例行胃癌根治术(D2淋巴结清扫),包括近端胃大部切除+D2清扫术(PG+D2)25例,远端胃大部切除+D2清扫术(DG+D2)60例,全胃切除+D2清扫术(TG+D2)17例。102例根据手术方式分为腹腔镜组38例,开腹组64例。结果腹腔镜组清扫淋巴结数目(22.2±9.9个)与开腹组(23.4±9.4个)比较,差异无显著性(t=-0.651,P=0.514)。三种术式腹腔镜组清扫淋巴结数目与开腹组比较[PG+D2:19.4±7.3(n=8)vs21.2±8.5(n=17);DG+D2:20.9±10.8(n=22)vs22.2±8.0(n=38);TG+D2:28.3±7.5(n=8)vs32.8±12.1(n=9)],差异均无显著性(t=-0.517,-0.526,-0.913;P=0.610,0.601,0.375)。结论腹腔镜下胃癌根治D2淋巴结清扫是可行的,清扫淋巴结数目和开腹手术类似,能够符合肿瘤根治原则。     

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.     

The analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in patients with chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background : Ketamine in sub-dissociative doses has been shown to have analgesic and phantom-Limb pain, where conventional treatment has often failed. Chronic ischemic pain due to lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans often responds poorly to analgesics, and the pain-generating mechanisms are not well understood.
Methods : Eight patients with rest pain in the lower extremity due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were given sub-dissociative doses of 0.15, 0.30, or 0.45 mg/kg racemic ketamine and morphine 10 mg as a 5-min infusion on four separate days in a cross-over, double-blind, randomised protocol. Plasma levels of (S)- and (R)-ketamine and their nor-metabolites were analysed with an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results : Individual pain levels were highly variable during and after all the infusions but the pooled pain levels showed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of ketamine with a transient but complete pain relief in all patients at the highest dose (0.45 mg/ kg). Side-effects, mainly disturbed cognition and perception, were pronounced and dose-dependent. Morphine 10 mg had an analgesic peak at 20 min and 5/8 patients had complete pain relief. The remaining 3 patients also had high baseline pain scores, indicating a higher analgesic potency for the 0.30 and 0.45 mg/ kg ketamine doses than for morphine 10 mg.
Conclusion : We have demonstrated a potent dose-dependent analgesic effect of racemic ketamine in clinical ischemic pain. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, this analgesic effect is probably best utilised in combination with other analgesics.