Use of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in colorectal surgery

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects and safety of ad ministering perioperative recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (r-metHuG-CSF, Filgrastim; Roche, Switzerland) to patients undergoin g elective colorectal surgery. Thirty consecutive patients were prospective ly randomized to receive either r-metHuG-CSF or placebo. Treatment with r-m etHuG-CSF induced transient leukocytosis with shift to the left. The phagoc ytic or killing capacities of neutrophils were not altered in the patients treated with r-metHuG-CSF, but there was a decline in neutrophil chemotaxis . There were no serious adverse events associated with r-metHuG-CSF treatme nt. Thus, perioperative r-metHuG-CSF is safe for patients undergoing colore ctal surgery. The presence of an increased number of functioning neutrophil s may offer advantages in combating imminent infection.