Preoperative epidural fentanyl reduces postoperative pain after upper abdominal surgery.

Forty patients, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status 1-2, undergoing subtotal gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The patients were allocated to two groups with or (group P) and without (group C) preoperative epidural fentanyl 100 microg. Postoperatively, all patients received continuous infusion of the study solution, containing fentanyl 30 microg x ml(-1) and 2 mg/ml bupivacaine, at a rate of 0.

[Changes in cytokines during perioperative period of hip arthroplasty in patients older than 80 years of age].

Background: Elevations of plasma inflammatory cytokines are related to the surgical intervention. We have examined the circulating interleukin 6, 8 (IL-6, IL-8) and CRP responses in patients older than 80 years during orthopedic hip arthroplasty.

Methods: After taking the signed informed consent, 8 patients were enrolled in this study.

[An analysis on blood transfusion for hepatic resection].

Background: Hepatic resection is prone to significant blood loss. Adverse effects of blood loss and transfusion mandate improvements in surgical techniques to reduce blood loss and transfusion.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the present status of intraoperative blood transfusion practice of 42 hepatic resections in National Kure Medical Center for the year of 2000.