Abstract The effects of perioperative filgrastim (rhG-CSF) and surgery per se on the postoperative acute phase reaction were studied by assessing leukocyte functions, cytokine levels and tenascin-C (Tn-C) and procollagen propeptide (PINP, PIIINP) concentrations in different body fluid compartments in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

Thirty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either filgrastim or placebo for five days, starting 12 hours before colorectal surgery. Filgrastim treatment led to marked neutrophilia with decreased neutrophil migration in peripheral blood but not in peritoneal fluid 48 hours postoperatively. Neutrophil phagocytosis and bacterial killing did not differ between the groups. Filgrastim caused increased postoperative expression of neutrophil CD11b/CD18 in blood but not in peritoneal fluid or wound fluid. CD11b/CD18 expression was higher in both wound fluid and peritoneal fluid than in blood in the placebo group. The expression of neutrophil CD62L was higher in blood than in peritoneal fluid or wound fluid in both groups. The serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-8 was lower in the filgrastim group 5 hours postoperatively. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10 did not differ between the groups. The cytokine levels were markedly higher locally in the wound and in the peritoneal cavity compared to circulating blood. No adverse events attributable to filgrastim were seen.

Leukocyte counts, neutrophil and monocyte functions and the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were measured from 18 patients before and after colorectal surgery. Surgery caused an increase in neutrophil and monocyte counts along with lymphocytopenia. Neutrophil phagocytosis was decreased 4 and 24 hours postoperatively, but normalized after that. A distinct systemic cytokine response was seen postoperatively.

In a study with 24 patients, Tn-C concentration increased in wound fluid during the first postoperative week after abdominal surgery. The Tn-C level was markedly higher in wound fluid than in serum.