Perioperative suppression of the leukocyte migration inhibition assay in patients undergoing elective operations

The effect of anesthesia and operation on immunity measured by leukocyte migration inhibition using streptokinase-streptodornase is reported in normal patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Eight-five per cent of the patients exhibited postoperative immunosuppression, and this persisted for 60 days or longer in more than half of them. Despite this, no complication was encountered relating to wound healing or sepsis.