Monocyte Function following Surgery in Man

Abstract

The whole blood monocyte count (WBMC), migratory response (MMR), phagocytosis (MPI), chemiluminescence (MCL) and serum opsonic activity (SOA) were measured in patients undergoing elective surgery. The WBMC, MMR, MPI and MCL increased significantly at 24 h after operation in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a moderate fall at 48 h and a return to normal values at 1 week; the SOA was little altered. In patients undergoing minor surgery the WBMC was also increased after surgery but the MMR was unchanged. The finding that certain monocyte functions are increased after surgery contrasts with studies showing that reticulo-endothelial clearance is depressed in the post-operative period.