OBJECTIVETo compare the systemic and local inflammatory response after laparoscopic and conventional surgery for colorectal carcinoma.

METHODSFrom April 2004 to August 2004, 51 colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic (n=25) and conventional open (n=26) colorectal resection were enrolled in the study. The general clinical data,and inflammatory response were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in age, sex, pre-operative levels of haemoglobin and albumin, Dukes stage and surgical procedure between the two groups (P > 0.05). Laparoscopic surgery had more advantages over conventional open surgery such as incision, operating time, recovery time of bowel function, and hospitalization. On postoperative day (POD) 1, WBC count [(7.30+/- 2.62)x10(9)/L], and the serum levels of IL-10 [(19.46+/- 3.31)pg/ml] and C-reactive protein (CRP) [(2.76+/- 2.17)mg/dl] were significantly lower in laparoscopic group than those in conventional group (P< 0.05), but there were no differences on POD 4 between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the volume of peritoneal drainage fluid, and levels of IL-10, TNF and CRP in it on POD 1 between the two groups, but the volume of peritoneal drainage fluid decreased significantly from POD 2, and the level of IL-10 in it was significantly lower on POD 4 in laparoscopic group than that in conventional group.

CONCLUSIONSIn early stage after operation,intra- peritoneal inflammatory response caused by laparoscopic surgery is similar to that by conventional open surgery, but systemic inflammatory response is slighter than that by conventional open surgery for colorectal carcinoma.