Effect of surgery on monocyte function.

In vitro monocyte lysozyme production (IVMLP) was assessed in 10 male patients preoperatively and at intervals postoperatively. A similar procedure was carried out in 6 sex- and age-matched controls. In contrast to the control group where the IVMLP was constant, the IVLMP levels in the surgical group showed a marked increase at 6-10 h postoperatively, falling to control levels after 10 days. In addition, peripheral monocyte counts were carried out using a Technicon Hemalog D counter which produces accurate reproducible counts for cells such as monocytes which occur at low frequency. The peripheral monocyte counts were stable in the control group, whilst in the surgical patients there were significantly higher readings at 36-48 h, which persisted for up to 10 days compared with preoperative counts. This study suggests that surgery has both a qualitative (IVMLP) and quantitative (monocyte counts) effect on the mononuclear phagocytes. These data may be relevant when considering factors that influence the early stages of wound healing.