Changes in T cell subsets, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein after laparoscopic and open colorectal resection for malignancy.
BACKGROUND
Attenuation of the immune response to surgery, as demonstrated with the laparoscopic approach to cholecystectomy, has potential benefits in patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic resection for malignancy. We aimed to study the perioperative immune response in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted and open surgery for colorectal cancer.


METHODS
This study involved 23 patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted (n = 13) and open surgery (n = 10). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) C-reactive protein (CRP), the total lymphocyte count, and the CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD19 lymphocyte subpopulations were assayed preoperatively and at 4, 8, 10, 24, 48, and 168 h postoperatively.


RESULTS
Significant rises in IL-6 and CRP were demonstrated within 4 and 24 h, respectively (p < 0.001) in both groups. However, no significant difference between the groups was seen. Significant decreases in total lymphocyte count and all T cell subsets were demonstrated in both groups, beginning at 4 h (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference between the groups was seen. All parameters, excluding CRP, had returned to baseline by 7 days postoperatively in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with malignancy exhibit significant perioperative immune disturbance with laparoscopically assisted and open surgery. The current data do not provide justification for the laparoscopically assisted approach on grounds of immune preservation.
Mehigan
B J
BJ
Academic Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ, UK.
Hartley
J E
JE
Drew
P J
PJ
Saleh
A
A
Dore
P C
PC
Lee
P W
PW
Monson
J R
JR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein