Comparisons of inflammatory cytokines expressions in drain after laparoscopic versus open surgery.

Background/aims: Laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of postoperative adhesion compared with open surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the advantage of laparoscopic surgery in terms of postoperative adhesion.

Methodology: Eleven patients participated in this study (laparoscopic surgery: 6 patients, open surgery: 5 patients). Body temperature, heart rate, the duration until the first postoperative flatus and the beginning of diet were investigated on postoperative day 0, 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Serum level of WBC and CRP, PAI-1 and IFN-gamma level in the drainage tube were also measured at the same time.

Results: There is no significant difference between the two groups in body temperature. The laparoscopic group revealed significantly lower WBC on POD 0 and CRP on POD 1 compared with the open group. PAI-1 was significantly lower on POD 3 and 5 in the laparoscopic group. IFN-gamma in the laparoscopic group tended to be suppressed compared with the open group.

Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery may decrease the risk of postoperative abdominal adhesion compared with open surgery by suppressing early postoperative inflammation.