Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Collecting And Measuring Wound Exudate Biochemical Mediators In Surgical Wounds
Published on: October 20, 2012
Preoperative and postoperative levels of interleukin-6 in patients with acute appendicitis: comparison between open
M Almagor1, A Mintz, O Sibirsky
1Division of Clinical Laboratories, Bikur Cholim Hospital, 5 Strauss Street, Jerusalem, 91002, Israel. malmagor@bikurholim.org.il
Background:
Cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an early marker of systemic inflammatory response and tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of IL-6 after open and laparoscopic appendectomy to compare the degree of surgical stress associated with these procedures.
Methods:
The levels of IL-6 were measured pre- and postoperatively in the plasma of 37 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. After preoperative randomization, 22 patients underwent open appendectomy, and 15 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.
Results:
The preoperative concentrations of IL-6 were 7.2 +/- 5.6 pg/ml in the open appendectomy group, as compared with 12.1 +/- 9.7 pg/ml in the laparoscopic appendectomy group (p < 0.05). The postoperative levels were 16.9 +/- 15.7 and 23.2 +/- 19.4 pg/ml, respectively. The mean postoperative to preoperative ratio of IL-6 was slightly higher for open (2.7 +/- 2.4) than for laparoscopic (2.3 +/- 1.6) appendectomy, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion:
The operative stress in open as compared with laparoscopic appendectomy is not reflected by circulating levels of IL-6.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Appendicitis

