The Effects of Surgical Trauma on Human Granulopoiesis

Abstract

Marked changes in the concentration and proliferative state of circulating granulocytic progenitor cells (colony forming units in culture; CFUc) were observed in female patients following surgical trauma. Within one day of an abdominal hysterectomy there was an abrupt fall in the number of blood CFUc to between 10% and 20% of normal and an increase in the proportion synthesizing DNA which coincided with the maximum neutrophilia. Subsequently, as the neutrophil count declined, the CFUc concentration increased to supranormal values and the proliferative response persisted, both parameters returning to normal 2 weeks after surgery. These results suggest that, following surgical trauma, the increased demand for neutrophils is rapidly met by increased CFUc proliferation.

Effects of surgery on neutrophil granulocyte function

“…The fact that the highest levels of this enzyme occur in the youngest circulating cells (24) suggests that after hysterectomy the mobilization of reserve pools is followed by increased production and release of neutrophils from the bone marrow which begins to subside after 3 to 4 days. Previous measurements of granulocyte progenitor cells in the circulation after abdominal hysterectomy support this interpretation (20).…”

The Effect of Preoperative Radiotherapy on Systemic Collagen Deposition and Postoperative Infective Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients

“…We did not analyze leukocyte counts 24 hours after surgery, a time point at which others have found a pronounced rise in neutrophils. 28 An experimental study from Gabka et al 29 showed that phagocytosis of 3 H-labeled Staphylococcus aureus was significantly lower in wound neutrophils from irradiated fields compared with controls at 6 and 12 weeks after radiation. The long-time interval between radiation and assay measurements eliminates the possibility that the neutrophils harvested were ever exposed to radiation themselves, given their short life span and the fact that they are rarely found in extravascular sites.…”

Preoperative short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery in primary rectal cancer

“…These areas are to some extent affected by RT to the pelvis, which results in depressed bone marrow. This might lead to preoperative leucopenia and an impairment of postoperative leucocytosis, which is normally seen within 24 hours after surgery 80 .…”