[The epidural administration of pentamine as a method for stimulating the functions of the small intestine in the early postoperative period].

A technique of prolonged sympathetic ganglion blockage with an epidurally applied ganglioblocker pentamine has been suggested. With the help of manometry, using an open catheter and electromyography methods, the effect of the above technique on the recovery of the damaged small intestinal functions in the early postoperative period has been studied in comparison with prolonged epidural blockade with trimecaine in patients after gastric surgery. The effect of epidurally administered drugs on central hemodynamics has been studied. The technique suggested is effective for the recovery of the damaged small intestinal functions and has a number of advantages over conventional prolonged epidural blockade: less pronounced effect on central hemodynamics, the absence of blocking effect on afferent pulsation. All these makes it a technique of choice in patients with severe homeostasis disturbances and low central hemodynamic indexes.