Laparotomy and Laparoscopy Differentially Accelerate Experimental Flank Tumour Growth

Background: Surgery depresses host tumoricidal activity and may increase tumour growth. This study compared the effects of laparoscopy with laparotomy on extraperitoneal tumour growth and immune function in a murine model.

Methods: C57BL/6 female mice aged 8-10 weeks had tumours induced in the right flank (n=45) and were randomized to undergo halothane anaesthesia only, laparoscopy or laparotomy. Flank tumour volume was assessed over 10 days. A second group of animals (n=540) were randomized to undergo the same procedures and killed at 24, 48 and 96 h. Splenocytes were harvested for natural killer (NK) cell and lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cell cytotoxicity studies.

Results: There was a significant increase in flank tumour growth in the first 48 h after laparotomy and laparoscopy compared with controls (P < 0.01). By 96 h the difference was only significant in the laparotomy group (P< 0.01). Both NK and LAK cell cytotoxicities were suppressed significantly (P < or = 0.03) from 24 h up to 96 h following laparotomy compared with control and laparoscopy groups. There was also a significant suppression in the laparoscopy group compared with controls in the first 48 h after operation (P < or = 0.02).

Conclusion: Extraperitoneal tumour growth was significantly accelerated after laparotomy and correlated with significantly suppressed NK and LAK cytotoxicity for at least 4 days after operation. Laparoscopy had a shorter, less profound effect on tumour growth and immune function.