Metabolic and inflammatory responses after laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair

A prospective comparison of metabolic and inflammatory responses after laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia operations was undertaken. There were 10 patients in each group. Plasma levels of cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured preoperatively and at fixed intervals up to 120 h postoperatively. In vitro, endotoxin stimulated whole blood tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) was measured in preoperative and 24 h postoperative blood samples. Changes in the plasma levels of cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. No significant change in IL-6 levels were recorded in any group. Changes in CRP levels were significantly higher (P < 0.006) in open hernia patients. Endotoxin stimulated TNF alpha production was suppressed in both groups. The degree of suppression in open hernia patients was significantly higher (P < 0.005). This study has shown that both these operations produce similar stress responses. However, open hernia operation results in a higher acute phase response and induces a greater endotoxin tolerance.