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

It is well known that surgery significantly decreases cell-mediated immunity. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a so-called minimally invasive surgical procedure, and on the basis of this consideration we investigated whether and how the immune system is modified in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to those undergoing open cholecystectomy. Immune activity (neutrophils, total lymphocyte count, lymphocyte subpopulations, multiple skin tests) was evaluated in 82 patients on postoperative day 1 and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 6. Forty-two patients underwent open cholecystectomy and 40 laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On postoperative day 1 patients treated by open cholecystectomy showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma neutrophils, whereas this parameter was unchanged in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Skin tests revealed a hypo- or anergic response in the majority of patients (81.8%) undergoing open surgery compared to those treated laparoscopically (10.5%). Total lymphocyte count and lymphocyte subpopulations were normal in the two groups. Four cases of respiratory tract infection (4.8%) were detected after open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy substantially reduces postoperative pain and hospitalisation, promotes an earlier recovery and return to normal activity and is not associated with postoperative immunosuppression, with a more positive postoperative morbidity profile compared to open surgery.