The Difference of the Impact of Elective Cholecystectomy Surgery in the Immune Response

Abstract

Introduction: The inflammatory response is essential to initiate the healing process, and in this response there is an increase in white blood cells and pro-inflammatory compounds. Creactive proteins (CRP), together with the blood leukocyte count, have been used to study the immune response. Due to the risk of infection and exacerbated inflammatory response of the patients undergoing surgical procedure, it is relevant to investigate the pre and postoperative inflammatory response of those individuals. Objective: To determine the difference in the impact of elective cholecystectomy surgery on the patient’s immune response. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional, where a group included patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy procedure. Patients who were pregnant, under 18 years, of indigenous communities or with other conditions that depress the immune system, as well as those on immunosuppressive medications, were excluded. Results: CRP and leukocyte counts indicated a mean increase of 5.97-fold (95% CI 3.76 to 8.34, SD 6.98) and 1.97-fold (95% CI 1.71 to 2.24, SD 1.97) respectively, both being evaluated before and after surgery. Discussion: In the present study, to avoid a possible methodological bias, it was chosen to evaluate the patients submitted to videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy only and the hypothesis was confirmed that there is an increase in CRP and leukocyte count as a response to surgical trauma. Conclusion: There was an elevation of the inflammatory markers in patients submitted to surgical trauma when comparing the exams collected in the preoperative period and after the surgical aggression.