Women's Health in the News
Less-Invasive Colon Surgery May Be Safer
Monday, July 18, 2005
Study finds lower risk of post-operative complications with laparoscopic technique
MONDAY, July 18 (HealthDay News) -- Minimally invasive colorectal surgery using the laparascope could reduce post-surgery complications, researchers say.
Compared to traditional surgery, the laparascopic procedure causes less inflammation and places less stress on the immune system, according to a study in the July issue of Archives of Surgery.
German researchers used laparoscopic surgery on 35 patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Another 35 patients received conventional surgery.
While both sets of patients experienced post-surgical inflammation, levels were significantly higher in people who had undergone conventional operations, lead researcher Dr. Matthias W. Wichmann, of Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, said in a prepared statement.
At the same time, the levels of natural killer cells -- white blood cells that attack foreign bodies or abnormal cells -- were significantly higher in people who had laparoscopic surgery, suggesting a stronger immune system, they said.
SOURCES: Archives of Surgery, news release, July 18, 2005
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