Changes in serum zinc during and after surgical procedures.

Serum zinc was followed in 49 patients during and after minor and major surgery. Serum zinc decreases significantly after major operative trauma such as SPV and cholecystecotomy whereas no change can be seen after minor surgery such as hernia repair. The drop is most pronounced 6 hours after the operation. Serum zinc gradually returns to normal level in 2--3 days. In older patients the decrease is more pronounced but return to normal serum zinc level occurs as quickly as in young patients.