01-05-2003
The percentage of CD31+ T cells decreases after open but not laparoscopic surgery
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 5/2003
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Background: Efficient killing of tumor cells depends on T cells that migrate from the circulation to the peripheral tissues; these cells express CD31. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of open (OS) and laparoscopic (LS) colorectal surgery on the percentage of circulating CD3+CD31+ cells. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 27 OS and 24 LS colon cancer patients preoperatively (preOP) and on postoperative days 1 (POD1) and 3 (POD3). CD31+ T cells were assessed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Results: In the OS group, the percentage of CD3+CD31+ cells was significantly lower in POD1 and POD3 samples compared to the preOP results. LS surgery did not result in a significant change in the percentage of these T cells. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in the percentage of CD3+CD31+ cells and the length of incision in OS patients. Conclusions: The percentage of CD3+CD31+ cells decreases following OS but not LS and may be related to incision length. This may compromise T cell function in the peripheral tissues in the postoperative period.