[Is cell-mediated immunity affected by laparoscopic cholecystectomy?].

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Surgical Oncology

Context:

• Surgery is known to suppress cell-mediated immunity.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure.

Purpose:

• To compare the immunomodulatory effects of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy.
• To evaluate immune activity, including neutrophils, lymphocyte counts, and skin test responses, in patients post-surgery.

Summary:

• Open cholecystectomy led to increased plasma neutrophils and significantly impaired skin test responses (hypo/anergic) post-surgery.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not alter neutrophil levels or significantly affect skin test responses.
• No significant differences in total lymphocyte count or subpopulations were observed between the groups.
• Respiratory tract infections were more frequent after open cholecystectomy.

Impact:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy demonstrates a more favorable postoperative morbidity profile.
• This procedure is associated with reduced pain, shorter hospitalization, and earlier recovery.
• Minimally invasive surgery appears to mitigate the immunosuppressive effects commonly seen after open surgical procedures.