The effect of surgical operation upon monocytes

Abstract

The effect of surgical operation upon monocyte numbers and function was studied in patients with both benign and malignant disease. In patients with benign disease a significant increase in the phagocytosis of ⁹⁹Tc latexlabelled particles by monocytes was observed at 24 h postoperatively (P<0·01 compared with preoperatively) and also a significant increase in monocyte numbers (P<0·001 compared with preoperatively). In patients undergoing surgery for malignant disease no significant increase in phagocytic activity of monocytes was found postoperatively. A significantdecrease in monocyte numbers was shown to follow surgery in this group (P<0·001). The implications of these findings are discussed.