Systemic cytokine response after laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma - A prospective randomized trial

Objective To compare the systemic cytokine response in patients after laparoscopic-as sisted resection with those after open resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma. Summary Background Data Laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma is technically feasible, but objective evidence of its benefit is scarce. Systemic cytokines are accept ed as markers of postoperative tissue trauma and mediators of the host immu ne response. Methods Thirty-four patients with rectosigmoid carcinoma, without evidence of metas tatic disease and suitable for laparoscopic resection, were randomized to u ndergo either laparoscopic (n = 17) or conventional open (n = 17) resection of the tumor. Clinical parameters were recorded. Sera were collected befor e surgery and at appropriate time points afterward and assayed for interleu kin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive prot ein. The primary end points were the cytokine and C-reactive protein levels . Data were analyzed by intention to treat. Results The demographic data of the two groups were comparable. The clinical outcom e of both groups was satisfactory, with no surgical deaths and a reasonable complication rate, Both interleukin-lp and interleukin-6 levels peaked 2 h ours after surgery, with the responses in the laparoscopic group significan tly less than those in the open group. C-reactive protein levels peaked at 48 hours, and the difference was also statistically significant. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha were not elevated after surgery, and there was no difference between the groups. Conclusions Tissue trauma, as reflected by systemic cytokine response, was less after l aparoscopic resection than after open resection of rectosigmoid carcinoma, The difference in the systemic cytokine response may have implications on t he long-term survival.