Abstract
Background: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with less tissue trauma and postoperative pain as well as a more rapid recovery than open surgery. We hypothesized that these factors may result in less immune impairment following laparoscopic surgery.
Methods: We measured mitogen-induced surface interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R) expression and lymphocyte proliferation in CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes as well as serum corticosterone levels in rats 24 h following open (OP) and laparoscopic (LAP) fundoplication.
Results: Serum corticosterone levels were lower in LAP vs OP rats (p= 0.02). CD4+ IL2R expression was higher in the blood, but not in the spleen, in LAP vs OP animals (p= 0.02). CD8+ IL2R expression was similar in both groups. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation was no different in the blood but decreased in the spleen in LAP vs OP rats (p= 0.03).
Conclusions: Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic fundoplication in the rat results in lower adrenocortical hormone levels and better-preserved T-helper-cell activation in the blood. Lymphocyte proliferation is suppressed in the spleen 24 h after laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may better preserve cell-mediated immunity in the early postoperative period.
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Received: 2 April 1997/Accepted: 15 July 1997
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Berguer, R., Dalton, M. & Ferrick, D. Adrenocortical response and regional T-lymphocyte activation patterns following minimally invasive surgery in a rat model. Surg Endosc 12, 236–240 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900642
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900642