High-Resolution T2-Weighted Imaging for Surveillance in Postoperative Vestibular Schwannoma: Equivalence with Contrast-Enhanced T1WI for Measurement and Surveillance of Residual Tumor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with surgically resected vestibular schwannoma will undergo multiple postoperative surveillance examinations, typically including postcontrast sequences. The purpose of this study was to compare high-resolution T2WI with gadolinium T1WI in the postoperative assessment of vestibular schwannoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with a history of resected vestibular schwannoma at a single institution. High-resolution T2WI and gadolinium T1WI were independently evaluated for residual disease. In addition, 3D and 2D measurements were performed in the group of patients with residual tumor. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the agreement between sequences on the binary assessment (presence/absence of tumor on initial postoperative examination) and to evaluate the equivalence of measurements for the 2 sequences on 3D and 2D quantitative assessment in individuals with residual disease. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight patients with retrosigmoid-approach resection of vestibular schwannomas were included in the final analysis. There was moderate-to-substantial agreement between the 2 sequences for the evaluation of the presence versus absence of tumor (Cohen κ coefficient = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.88). The 2 sequences were significantly equivalent for 2D and 3D quantitative assessments (short-axis P value = .021; long-axis P value = .015; 3D P value = .039). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, we demonstrate moderate-to-substantial agreement in the categoric assessment for the presence versus absence of tumor and equivalence between the 2 sequences for both 2D and volumetric tumor measurements as performed in the subset of patients with measurable residual. On the basis of these results, high-resolution T2WI alone may be sufficient for early postoperative imaging surveillance in this patient population.

Physician views regarding the benefits and burdens of prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE: Examine how pediatric and obstetrical subspecialists view benefits and burdens of prenatal myelomeningocele (MMC) closure. STUDY DESIGN: Mail survey of 1200 neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and maternal-fetal medicine specialists (MFMs). RESULTS: Of 1176 eligible physicians, 670 (57%) responded. Most respondents disagreed (68%, 11% strongly) that open fetal surgery places an unacceptable burden on women and their families. Most agreed (65%, 10% strongly) that denying the benefits of open maternal-fetal surgery is unfair to the future child. Most (94%) would recommend prenatal fetoscopic over open or postnatal MMC closure for a hypothetical fetoscopic technique that had similar shunt rates (40%) but decreased maternal morbidity. When the hypothetical shunt rate for fetoscopy was increased to 60%, physicians were split (49% fetoscopy versus 45% open). Views about burdens and fairness correlated with the likelihood of recommending postnatal or fetoscopic over open closure. CONCLUSION: Individual and specialty-specific values may influence recommendations about prenatal surgery.

l-Arginine Pathway Metabolites Predict Need for Intra-operative Shunt During Carotid Endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) inhibits nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and is a marker of atherosclerosis. This study examined the correlation between pre-operative l-arginine and ADMA concentration during carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and jugular lactate indicating anaerobic cerebral metabolism, jugular S100B reflecting blood-brain barrier integrity, and with factors of surgical intervention. METHODS: The concentration of l-arginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine was measured in blood taken under regional anaesthesia from the radial artery of 55 patients prior to CEA. Blood gas parameters, concentration of lactate, and S100B were also serially measured in blood taken from both the radial artery and the jugular bulb before and after carotid clamping, and after release of the clamp. To estimate anaerobic metabolism, the jugulo-arterial ratio of CO2 gap/oxygen extraction was calculated. RESULTS: Positive correlation was found between pre-operative ADMA levels and the ratio of jugulo-arterial CO2 gap/oxygen extraction during clamp and reperfusion (p = .005 and p = .01, respectively). An inverse correlation was found between the pre-operative l-arginine concentration and jugular lactate at each time point (both p = .002). The critical pre-operative level of l-arginine was determined by receiver operator curve analysis. If l-arginine was below the cutoff value of 35 µmol/L, jugular S100B concentration was higher 24 h post-operatively (p = .03), and jugular lactate levels were increased during reperfusion (p = .02). The median pre-operative concentration of l-arginine was lower in patients requiring an intra-operative shunt than in patients without need of shunt (median: 30.3 µmol/L [interquartile range 24.4-34.4 µmol/L] vs. 57.6 µmol/L [interquartile range 42.3-74.5 µmol/L]; p = .002). CONCLUSION: High pre-operative ADMA concentration predicts poor cerebral perfusion indicated by elevated jugulo-arterial CO2 gap/oxygen extraction. Low pre-operative l-arginine concentration predicts the need for a shunt. The inverse correlation between pre-operative l-arginine concentration and both jugular lactate and S100B during carotid clamping suggests a protective role of the NO donor l-arginine.

Ischaemic postconditioning reduces serum and tubular TNF-α expression in ischaemic-reperfused kidney in healthy rats.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the protective effects of postconditioning (PS) in healthy and hypercholesterolemic rats after renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. We aimed to examine cytokine expression and apoptosis in tissue damage after revascularisation (TNF-α levels in serum and tissue). METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups. The animals of normal feed groups (NF) were fed with normal rat chow and the cholesterol feed groups (CF) were fed with 1.5% cholesterol containing diet for 8 weeks. Anaesthetized rats underwent a 45-min cross-clamping in both kidney pedicles. Ischaemia was followed by 120-min reperfusion with or without PS protocol (group PS vs. IR). Postconditioning was induced by four intermittent periods of ischaemia-reperfusion of 15-s duration each. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and creatinine levels were determined. Proinflammation was characterized by the measurement of serum TNF-α. Tissue injury in kidney was determined by formaline-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Tissue TNF-α levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Significant elevation was observed in serum TNF-α level after IR injury in normal feed groups, which was reduced by PS. In CF group neither the elevation nor the postconditioning induced reduction were as significant as in the NF groups. In normal feed group PS caused a significant reduction in tissue TNF-α level which was significantly higher in CF. CONCLUSIONS: Ischaemic postconditioning proved to be an effective defense against IR in NF groups, but it was ineffective in CF groups in kidney tissue.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine treatment on oxidative stress and inflammation after severe burn.

Oxidative stress and inflammation generate edema in burns. The aim of our study was to assess effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on oxidative stress, inflammation, fluid requirement, multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score and vasoactive drug requirement. In this study 15 patients were on standard therapy, whereas for other 15 patients NAC was supplemented. Blood samples were taken on admission and on the next five consecutive mornings. Levels of malondialdehyde, protein sulfhydril (PSH) groups, reduced gluthation (GSH), activity of myeloperoxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes and induced free radical generating capacity were measured as well as concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. MOD score, use of vasopressor agents and fluid utilisation were recorded daily. NAC treatment increased GSH level on days 4-5 (p<0.05) and PSH level on days 2-6 (p<0.05) compared to controls. Plasma IL-6 was lower on days 4-5 (p<0.05), IL-8 on days 4-6 (p<0.05) and IL-10 on days 4-6 (p<0.05) in NAC group. NAC group received less catecholamines than controls (p<0.01) from day 4 without significant differences in MOD score. NAC treatment is associated with a diminished oxidative stress reflected in preserved antioxidant levels, lower inflammation mirrored in lower interleukin levels and less vasopressor requirement.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine treatment on the expression of leukocyte surface markers after burn injury.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes generate edema in burns. Treatment of consequent hypovolemia is a challenge. The aim of study was to assess if glutathione pro-drug N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can influence inflammation and fluid requirement. We also aimed to compare organ functions scores and vasoactive drug requirement. This prospective randomised study involved 28 patients with burn injury affecting more than 20% of body surface area. Fourteen patients were on standard therapy, whereas for other 14 patients NAC was supplemented. Blood samples were taken on admission and on the next five consecutive mornings. Leukocyte surface marker expressions were determined, multiple organ function scores, use of vasopressor agents and fluid requirements were recorded daily. Expression of CD11a (p < 0.05), CD18 (p < 0.05) and CD97 (p < 0.01) on the granulocytes were significantly lower in the NAC treated group, similarly to lymphocyte CD 49d (p < 0.05) and monocyte CD 49d (p < 0.01) and CD 97 (p < 0.05) expression. No significant difference was found in the fluid requirement between groups but patients the NAC group required less vasopressor and inotropic drugs from day 4. NAC treatment is associated with a less pronounced inflammation reflected in lower CD marker expression and vasopressor requirement.

Effect of vitamin E on reperfusion injuries during reconstructive vascular operations on lower limbs.

INTRODUCTION: The challenge against reperfusion injury and tissue oxidative stress, especially in vascular surgical interventions has an essential importance to reach the optimal clinical result. Numerous experimental attempts have proved the positive antioxidant effect of vitamin E in both chronic and acute phase models. In our study we monitored the effect of continuous preoperative treatment with vitamin E, on oxidative stress and tissue inflammation reactions developed after reconstructive operations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients have been involved in a randomized, prospective study, all suffering from AFS occlusion proved by angiography, and all undergone supragenual reconstruction. Duration of ischemia and amount of tissues under vascular clamping were almost the same in all patients. In the group treated with E-vitamin, we administered 1 x 200 mg of vitamin E p/o from the preoperative day till the 7th post operative day. Patients of the second group did not receive vitamin E. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected immediately before operation and at the end of the second reperfusion hour (early reperfusion period). Late reperfusion period has been monitored by analyzing blood samples taken at 24th hour and 7th day next to the operative ischemia. Among oxidative stress parameters, direct measurement of reactive oxygen intermediator (ROI) and determination of antioxidant state (GSH, Total-SH group, SOD) have been performed. Malondialdehyde was chosen as marker for lipidperoxidation. Inflammation reactions were monitored up on expression of adhesion molecules (CD11a and CD18). We also controlled the oscillation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS: Our study has proved that preoperative (from the preoperative day till the 7th post operative day) administration of 200 mg vitamin E could reduce the level of oxidative stress developed after ischemic-reperfusion insult (lipidproxidation, antioxidant enzymes). According to our results, the prooxidant-antioxidant imbalance also diminished in the group with E-vitamin treatment. We proved that elective administration of vitamin E could decrease the WBC activity (MPO activity, free radicals production, expression of adhesion molecules) and its consequential local inflammation process, during early reperfusion.

Time course of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with burns--prognostic value of interleukin-10.

INTRODUCTION: Trends and the prognostic value of cytokine responses to severe burns have not been fully examined in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the time course and prognostic value of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the immediate post-burn period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken for measuring IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-alpha concentrations from patients with more than 20% burned surface area on admission and on 5 consecutive days. Development of sepsis was assessed using standard criteria twice a day. RESULTS: IL-12p70 remained under assay detection levels in the study period. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha could be detected in stimulated blood samples with higher levels in survivors (n=21). IL-6 on days 4-5 and IL-8 on days 4-6 in non-stimulated plasma showed significant elevation in non-survivors (n=18) whereas in stimulated blood its levels did not differ significantly. IL-10 levels were significantly higher in non-survivors during the study period in non-stimulated, and except day 6 in stimulated blood. Using the cut-off level of 14 pg ml(-1) for IL-10 predicted ICU mortality with 85.4% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity on admission. CONCLUSION: Early anti-inflammatory excess had a bad prognosis for patients suffering from severe burns.

Ischaemic postconditioning reduces peroxide formation, cytokine expression and leukocyte activation in reperfusion injury after abdominal aortic surgery in rat model.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the protective effects of ischaemic postconditioning (PS) on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the lower extremities in a rat model of abdominal aortic intervention. We aimed to examine the evoked oxidative stress, cytokine expression and leukocyte activation after revascularisation surgery. METHODS: Anesthetized animals (48 Whistar rats) underwent a 60 min infrarenal aorta cross-clamping. After the ischaemic period, an intermittent 4 times 15 s reperfusion--15 seconds ischaemic episodes--were applied (ischaemic postconditioning: group PS). Then we started a 120 min reperfusion in the aorta. In untreated group animals underwent a long ischaemia (60 min) and the following reperfusion (group IR). Peripherial blood samples were collected before operation, and in early (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min) reperfusion periods. Serum peroxide level, TNF-alpha concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and PMA-induced leukocyte ROS production were measured. RESULTS: In PS group, plasma peroxide level elevation was significantly lower in very early reperfusion (5-30 min) comparing to non-conditioned IR group (10.04+/-1.9 microM/l vs. 16.91+/-3.67 microM/l, p<0.05). PS also reduced serum TNF-alpha concentration (167.41+/-31.26 microg/ml vs. 116.55+/-12.04 microg/ml, p<0.05), MPO activity (1.759+/-0.239 microM/ml vs. 1.22+/-0.126 microM/ml, p<0.05) and leukocyte activation detected by PMA-induced leukocyte ROS production (5.7+/-0.96 AU/10(3) cells vs. 4.63+/-0.69 AU/10(3) cells). CONCLUSIONS: Ischaemic postconditioning could reduce ROI production after IR in early reperfusion period, thus limiting ROI mediated tissue lesion, cytokine-leukocyte activation and inflammatory responses. PS seems to be an effective tool in vascular surgery to reduce reperfusion injuries after revascularization interventions.

Reperfusion injury and inflammatory responses following acute lower limb revascularization surgery.

After revascularization of an acute arterial occlusion the development of a serious ischaemic-reperfusion injury is a menacing challenge and a hard task in peripheral vascular surgery. A whale of evidences point to oxidative stress, as an important trigger, in the complex chain of events leading to reperfusion injury. In the present study authors aimed to examine oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant-prooxidant state and leukocyte adhesion molecules (CD11a and CD18) expression following acute revascularization surgery of lower limb.10 patients were examined in the prospective randomized study. Peripheral blood sample was collected in ischaemic period, and after reperfusion in the 2nd and 24th hours, and on 7th day. Superoxide-dismutase activity, reduced glutathion concentration and leukocytes free radical production were measured. The degree of lipidperoxidation was marked with the quantity of malondialdehyde. The expressions of adhesion molecules were measured with flowcytometry.The speed and rate of free radical production significantly increased in the early reperfusion (p<0.05). The level of antioxidant enzymes decreased after revascularization. The CD11a and CD18 expression of the granulocytes significantly (p<0.05) decreased right after the revascularization, but with a gradual elevation until the 7th day they exceed the ischaemic value. Our results showed a time specific turnover of the sensitive antioxidant-prooxidant balance after revascularization operation.

Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on cytokine network and myocardial cytokine production.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the well-investigated proinflammatory cytokine expression, there is an ever increasing interest in the field of anti-inflammatory response to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Evidence suggests that myocardium serves as an important source of cytokines during reperfusion and application of CPB. The effect of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) without CPB on myocardial cytokine production has not as yet been investigated. HYPOTHESIS: Cardiopulmonary bypass can cause long-term disturbance in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance, which may impede a patient's recovery following surgery. Therefore, the effect of CPB on the balance of the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines network and myocardial cytokine outflow was assessed throughout a longer period after surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients were scheduled for CABG with CPB and 10 had off-pump surgery. Blood samples were taken before, during, and over the first week following surgery. Coronary sinus blood samples were collected during surgery. The ratio of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was calculated and the cytokine concentration of peripheral and coronary sinus blood were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio decreased early after CPB followed by a delayed and marked increase. A more balanced ratio was present following off-pump surgery. Coronary sinus levels of certain cytokines exceeded the concentration of systemic blood in the course of CPB but not during off-pump operation. CONCLUSION: Patients show pro-inflammatory predominant cytokine balance at a later stage after CPB in contrast to those without CPB. The heart produces a remarkable amount of cytokines only in the course of surgery with CPB.

Expression of CD97 and adhesion molecules on circulating leukocytes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Leukocyte activation is thought to be responsible for the adverse effects and postoperative complications following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A novel cell surface molecule, CD97, is a sensitive marker of leukocyte and primary lymphocyte activation. The present study aimed to determine the activation of different leukocyte subsets by comparing the expression of CD97 and adhesion molecules (CD11, CD18) in patients receiving coronary surgery with or without CPB. METHODS: 30 patients were enrolled and scheduled for coronary bypass surgery under CPB (20 patients, group A) and with off-pump (OP) operation (10 patients, group B). Blood samples were taken before and during surgery, and over the following first week. RESULTS: Here, we report an early decrease in CD97 expression of granulocytes (PMN) and monocytes (MC) followed by an intensive increase reaching the maximum on postoperative days 2 and 3 in patients operated with CPB. The rate of active CD97-positive lymphocytes showed a marked, gradual increase until postoperative day 3 and remained elevated up to day 7 after CPB. OP surgery resulted in moderate alteration in the presence of CD97 on PMN, MC and lymphocytes. The expression of adhesion molecules was similar to CD97 in all leukocyte subsets. CONCLUSION: The findings about CD97 expression suggest considerable leukocyte activation following coronary bypass with CPB compared to OP surgery. The collected data show that the lymphocytes are highly activated and involved in leukocyte sequestration after CPB. Moreover, the importance of CD97 in CPB-related inflammatory response can be stated.

The effect of different levels of peritoneal CO2 pressure on bleeding time of spleen capsule injury.

AIMS: The authors, in contrast to similar injuries with open surgery, had observed spontaneous hemostasis of relatively large spleen capsule injuries during laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Standard spleen injuries were carried out in 5 anesthetized mongrel dogs at different CO2 pressures and in open surgery. Bleeding was checked every minute by wiping around the injury but not removing the clot. Bleeding time was measured until no more oozing was detected. At every pressure level 3-3 measurements were done and analyzed. Parenchymal pressure of the spleen and systemic blood pressure were detected with direct catheter implantation. RESULTS: In open surgery the average bleeding time was 15.2 min; at 5, 15, and 25 mmHg CO2 pressures bleeding times were 12.3, 10.6, and 9.8 min, respectively. The parenchymal pressure of the spleen (5-6 mmHg) rose synchronously with peritoneal pressure, but no significant changes in systemic blood pressure were seen. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal CO2 pressure may counterweight the parenchymal pressure of the spleen, thus helping hemostasis. There seems to be an inverse proportion between peritoneal pressure and bleeding time. In case of spleen capsule injury during laparoscopic surgery, chances for spontaneous hemostasis are much better compared to open surgery. Attention must be paid to maintain adequate peritoneal pressure.

Is peripheral blood a reliable indicator of acute oxidative stress following heart ischemia and reperfusion?

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in membrane damage in ischemic-reperfusion syndromes. The aim of our work was to determine whether blood samples taken from a peripheral vein are a reliable indicator to reflect the development of oxidative stress following acute heart ischemia and reperfusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a dog model, the left descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 60 min followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA), endogenous antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme and the stimulated radical production of isolated neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) were measured simultaneously from the peripheral vein and the coronary sinus before and at the end of the LAD occlusion, and again during reperfusion. RESULTS: MDA and SOD values increased during reperfusion. At the end of 1 hour the reperfusion changes in the coronary sinus were significant (p<0.05). GSH increased in the femoral vein, but decreased in the coronary sinus. The radical-producing capacity of PMNs decreased by the end of LAD occlusion, and a further significant decrease was measured during reperfusion in the coronary sinus (p<0.01). In the peripheral venous blood samples the decrease of PMN radical production became significant only at 30 minutes of reperfusion (p<0.02), and the earlier difference between the coronary sinus and the femoral vein tended to level out following 60 minutes of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: During early reperfusion following myocardial ischemia coronary sinus blood sampling gives an earlier indication of myocardial damage. At a later phase, peripheral blood samples may also be informative regarding the altered balance between ROS production and the antioxidant capacity.

Hemorragias obstétricas graves en el período periparto / Severe obstetric bleeding in the peri-delivery period

Objetivo: Evaluar la morbi-mortalidad actual en un grupo de pacientes con sangrado obstétrico severo en el período periparto. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo. Marco: División Terapia Intensiva, en una clínica privada. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Pacientes: 45 pacientes gestantes con edad de 33,2ñ4,8 años, ingresadas a partir de marzo de 1991 hasta febrero de 1998. Método y resultados principales: El 64 por ciento de los casos presentaron shock hemorrágico. El promedio de hematíes sedimentados transfundidos fue 7,6ñ6,3 unidades, y el hematocrito alcanzado al cabo de 24-36 horas fue 23,6ñ4,9 por ciento. En 29 enfermas se recurrió a la histerectomía como última medida para controlar el sangrado masivo. Seis pacientes histerctomizadas presentaron hemorragia retro y/o intraperitoneal, debiéndose reintervenir quirúrgicamente a 5 por sangrados persistentes. Este subgrupo requirió mayor número de transfusiones (18ñ8 vs 5ñ8 unidades; p < 0,01). Diecisiete enfermas cursaron con coagulopatía por consumo, de ellas 6 con coagulación intravascular diseminada. Las 45 puérperas sobrevivieron. Conclusiones: 1. Optimo porcentaje de sobrevida materna vinculado con : a) disponibilidad de hemoderivados y resolución de estudios complementarios, y b) actuación de un equipo multidisciplinario. 2. Se aprecia una alta incidencia de histerectomías como última alternativa para controlar las hemorragias

Methadone dosing, heroin affordability, and the severity of addiction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to track changes in US heroin prices from 1988 to 1995 and to determine whether changes in the affordability of heroin were associated with changes in the use of heroin by users seeking methadone treatment, as indexed by methadone dose levels. METHODS: Data on the price of heroin were from the Drug Enforcement Administration; data on methadone doses were from surveys conducted in 1988, 1990, and 1995 of 100 methadone maintenance centers. Multivariable models that controlled for time and city effects were used to ascertain whether clinics in cities where heroin was less expensive had patients receiving higher doses of methadone, which would suggest that these patients had relatively higher physiological levels of opiate addiction owing to increased heroin use. RESULTS: The amount of pure heroin contained in a $100 (US) purchase has increased on average 3-fold between 1988 and 1995. The average dose of methadone in clinics was positively associated with the affordability of local heroin (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: When heroin prices fall, heroin addicts require more methadone (a heroin substitute) to stabilize their addiction--evidence that they are consuming more heroin.

[Surgical trauma induced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / A laparoscopos cholecystectomia indukálta sebészi trauma.

The objective demonstration of improved postoperative recovery suggests that surgical injury induced by the laparoscopic approach is less intense than that after open surgery. Forty-two patients diagnosed as having noncomplicated gallstones were studied prospectively. They were operated on by laparoscopy (LC, n = 21) or open surgery (OC, n = 21). Both surgical procedures induced significant changes of investigated parameters (acute-phase response, free radical mediated reactions, neutrophil functions). Comparison of the results of the two cholecystectomy techniques showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy induced a significantly less intense acute-phase response, a more attenuated oxidative stress characterising by free radical mediated reactions and that is less disruptive to neutrophil function. The results and the data from the literature suggest that surgical injury causing by the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less intense than that after open cholecystectomy, which can explain partially the better clinical outcome following laparoscopic versus open procedure.