Post operative stimulation of cell mediated immunity

The consequences of altered immuno-competence resulting from anaesthesia and surgery are potentially hazardous to the patient with malignant disease. Malnutrition also produces reduction in cell mediated immunity, a condition which is commonly incurred in patients with neoplastic disorders. Numerous agents have been claimed to stimulate the immune responses but few have proved to be of practical value. This paper reports the use variously of protease inhibitors, using Aprotinin, and post operative nutritional therapy, following major surgical resection for carcinoma - specifically as regards their influence on parameters believed to relate to cell mediated immunity. No clinical, metabolic or immunologic benefit was identified from either method of post operative stimulation of cell mediated immunity, although this study did confirm post operative depression of these parameters. The significance of these changes is unclear but there is no evidence to support an immunological mechanism for either of these approaches being of benefit in clinical practice.