The effects of three differing anaesthetics on the immune response

A clinical study was undertaken to investigate changes in the immune response in patients undergoing three differing anaesthetic techniques for inguinal hernia repair. No significant differences between anaesthetic groups were demonstrated in the haematological parameters. The value of mitogen stimulation tests was questioned in the clinical setting. The migratory component of neutrophil function was shown to be preserved following conduction anaesthesia compared to the other anaesthetic groups and its possible advantage noted.