The effect of surgical operation upon monocytes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Monocytes play a crucial role in immune response.
• Surgical operations can modulate immune cell activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of surgery on monocyte number and phagocytic function.
• To compare these effects in patients with benign versus malignant diseases.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively.
• Monocyte numbers and phagocytosis of 99Tc latex-labelled particles were quantified.

Main Results:

• In benign disease patients, a significant increase in monocyte numbers (P < 0.001) and phagocytosis (P < 0.01) was observed post-surgery.
• In malignant disease patients, no significant increase in phagocytic activity was found, and monocyte numbers significantly decreased (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Surgical operations differentially affect monocyte function and numbers based on disease type.
• The observed immune changes may have implications for patient recovery and prognosis.