Is immune function better preserved after laparoscopic versus open colon resection?

The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate immunologic responses to laparoscopic vs standard open colon resection and to evaluate possible mediators of any differences found. Specifically, we compared cortisol levels and delayed-type hypersensitivity response after each method of colon resection in a group of 20 pigs.Two groups of 10 animals each were treated in identical fashion including bowel preparation, anesthesia, and postoperative management. The only difference between groups was that one underwent laparoscopic and the other an open colon resection. Blood specimens for cortisol were drawn before, during, and immediately postoperatively as well as at 11A.M. on postoperative days 1 and 2. All animals had been previously immunized as piglets with Sow Bac-E (Oxford Veterinary, Worthington, MN), an antigen preparation of common pig pathogens. At the conclusion of the operative procedure 0.5 cc of the antigen was injected intradermally on the right forelimb of the animals. At 48 and 72 h postoperatively the largest diameters of induration surrounding the injection site were measured and averaged. Cortisol levels were measured in serum samples by radioimmunoassay (Met-Path, Rockville, MD). Statistical significance was determined by t-test.Results of skin antigen testing showed that the group of pigs that underwent laparoscopic resection had a 20% greater response, 1.54 cm±0.28 cm at 48 h and 1.53 cm±0.18 cm at 72 h. For the open-surgery group results were 1.24 cm±0.26 cm at 48 h and 1.32 cm±0.21 cm at 72 h,P<0.05 for the difference between groups at both 48 and 72 h. Cortisol levels were not significantly different between groups at any of the time points.We conclude that T-cell-related immune function in this model, as measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity, is better preserved after laparoscopic than open colon resection. We further conclude that cortisol levels are not responsible for the improved preservation of the immune response. The benefits of improved postoperative immune function may be significant for patients undergoing laparoscopic colon resection.     

The metabolic and immune response to laparoscopic vs open liver resection

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver surgery is a field in its infancy, and scientific evidence of its benefits over those of traditional open techniques has not been shown. Various applications from wedge resections to formal segmental resections have been reported, but the technical ability does not necessarily translate into improved patient outcomes. There is an abundance of evidence reflecting the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy [9, 12, 23], and some of these benefits have been linked to the decreased metabolic and immune responses involved [24, 27]. There is also accumulating evidence that tumor growth may be slower after laparoscopic surgery than after comparable open surgery, and that this is a result of less immune suppression [1]. It is not known whether laparoscopic liver surgery will convey similar benefits. METHODS: In this study, 14 pigs were assigned randomly to undergo a liver resection either by a laparoscopic or an open approach. Operative stress was assessed via cortisol, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein. The immune response was evaluated through delayed-type hypersensitivity skin antigen testing. Adhesion formation also was assessed at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Immune response as measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity is better preserved after laparoscopic than after open liver resection. The average diameter of induration was 46% greater in the laparoscopic group (20.71 +/- 2.7 mm versus 14.14 +/- 1.5 mm). Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor levels showed a significantly greater rise after open surgery. No difference was observed in the levels of C-reactive protein or cortisol. Adhesion formation was considerably less after laparoscopic resection. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic liver resection results in a diminished stress response, as compared with that of open resection, which translates into greater preservation of immune function. This finding may well have a beneficial effect on infection and tumor growth.     

Adhesive intestinal obstruction in laparoscopic vs open colorectal resection

Aim While there is evidence that laparoscopy creates fewer adhesions, evidence regarding decreased episodes of adhesive obstruction in laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR) is still lacking. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of adhesion‐related admissions/surgery in patients undergoing LCR and open colorectal resection (OCR). Method We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database that included all patients undergoing LCR and OCR between 2001 and 2010. Patients with < 6 months of follow‐up were excluded. Patients who were converted to open surgery were included in the laparoscopic group. Details regarding readmission rates and surgery for adhesive obstruction were obtained from clinical portals and the theatre database. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Student’s t‐test. Results One‐hundred and forty‐four patients had LCR with a median (range) follow‐up of 24.5 (6–108) months. One‐hundred and eighty‐seven patients underwent OCR, with a median (range) follow‐up of 49 (6–104) months. Six (4.2%) of 144 patients in the LCR group had adhesion‐related admission/obstruction compared with 13 (6.95%) of 187 patients in the OCR group (P = 0.34). Three (2.1%) of 144 patients who had LCR required surgery for adhesive obstruction compared with five (2.7%) of 187 who had OCR (P = 0.73). Conclusion In our study there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction between LCR and OCR groups.     

Cell-mediated immune response is better preserved by laparoscopy than laparotomy

BACKGROUND: This study compares the effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum versus laparotomy on cellular-mediated immune response in a murine model. METHODS: Sixty-eight female C3H/He mice were sensitized to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and to a mouse mammary carcinoma cell line (MC2) before surgery. Animals were randomized into 4 groups: group I, anesthesia (control); group II, pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide; group III, extraperitoneal wound; group IV, laparotomy. All animals were challenged subsequently with KLH and MC2 tumor cells. Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reaction (DTH) to KLH was measured on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 4, and 5. Tumor growth was assessed weekly as an indicator of postoperative cellular immune response. RESULTS: Compared with preoperative values, postoperative DTH skin reactions were significantly less for all PODs in groups III and IV (P < .05), on POD 1 and 4 in group II (P < .05) and POD 4 for group I (P < .05). Group IV showed significantly fewer DTH skin reactions for all PODs compared with groups I and II (P < .05) and all PODs except on day 2 compared with group III (P < .05). Tumor growth was significantly increased at postoperative week 2 (n = 3/17 mice) and 3 (n = 4/17 mice) in group IV, when compared with groups I and II (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cellular immunity is preserved after carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum compared with extraperitoneal incisions and laparotomy as measured by DTH and the ability to reject an immunogenictumor.     

Prospective randomized study of stress and immune response after laparoscopic vs conventional colonic resection

Methods: In order to evaluate the stress and immunological response to laparoscopic and conventional colon resection we operated on male Wistar rats (350–380 g), performing either laparoscopic (n= 15) or open colon resection (n= 15). A third group (n= 10) underwent anesthesia only. Immediately before and after surgery as well as 1 and 7 days postoperatively a 1 ml sample of blood was taken from the retrobulbar veinous plexus. Stress (corticosterone) and immune parameters (neopterin and interleukin [IL] 1-β) were measured. Furthermore, the body weight as a parameter of postoperative recovery was monitored. Results: The analysis of variance showed significant differences between the three groups over a period of 1 week (p < 0.0001 for corticosterone, p= 0.0854 for IL 1-β, p= 0.0045 for neopterin). Additionally in a t-test significant differences were found between the laparoscopic and conventional group with regard to corticosterone (p= 0.08), to neopterin (p= 0.045), and to IL 1-β (p= 0.0043) at the end of the operation. One week after the operation the stress and immune parameters were back to normal levels in each group except IL 1-β, but the recovery indicated by body weight was different according to the kind of the applied operative procedure: 7 days postoperatively the rats lost 5.99% of their body weight after open surgery and only 2.4% after laparoscopic surgery. After anesthesia only the body weight increased by about 4.8%. Conclusion: Laparoscopic colon resection alters the stress and immune system of healthy rats less than open colon resection. This observation is confirmed by the quicker recovery in laparoscopically operated rats.     

Extent of oncological resection in laparoscopic vs. open colorectal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is not yet wide accepted in cancer colorectal surgery. This study investigated whether the extent of anatomical resection in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is equivalent to that in the open colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined reports on the results of laparoscopic or open colorectal procedures published between 1990 and 1999 and selected 35 with data on lymph node count and distal margin clearance (total of 3935 patients). There were 16 comparative studies, 6 open series, and 13 laparoscopic series of patients. Several meta-analytic models were used to evaluate the difference between open and laparoscopic surgery, including multiple-outcome random-effects models that account for correlation between multiple-outcomes. RESULTS: More lymph nodes were extracted laparoscopically (0.3-2.14 lymph nodes more); however, only for the fixed-effects single-outcome model this difference was statistically significant. The average distal margin clearance was 4.6 cm with the laparoscopic approach and 5.3 with the open approach Accounting for random variation among the studies, the estimate of this difference obtained from meta-analysis was 0.64-1.19 cm, favoring the open approach; this difference was statistically significant. The estimated within-study correlation between lymph node count and distal margin clearance was 0.26 with the open and 0.19 with the laparoscopic procedure. The estimated within-study correlation between outcomes of laparoscopic and open procedures was 0.86 for the lymph node count and 0.96 for the distal margin clearance. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that laparoscopic approach is as adequate as the conventional approach. Estimates of difference between the two therapeutic options obtained from random-effects models were more precise than those from fixed-effects models.     

Systemic immune response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

The laparoscopic approach is thought to reduce the postoperative immunologic and metabolic effects of an open operation. This study was designed with the aim of comparing the systemic immune response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Seventeen patients with gallbladder stones were assigned to undergo either a laparoscopic (n = 9) or open (n = 8) approach. The postoperative immune response was assessed by measuring the serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) preoperatively and 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days postoperatively. Both approaches resulted in a significant decrease in sFas levels 1 and 2 days postoperatively. The open approach evoked a transient increase in sL-selectin levels 2 hours postoperatively. Moreover, the open approach resulted in a persistent, significant increase in TGFbeta1 levels postoperatively. Comparison of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy has shown no significant difference in sFas level and a statistically significant increase of sL-selectin (within 2 hours) and TGFbeta levels after open surgery. Although both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy evoked an alteration of the systemic immune response, our data showed that such immune response may be less after the laparoscopic approach.     

腹腔镜与开腹肝血管瘤切除术对患者术后恢复的影响分析

目的探讨腹腔镜肝血管瘤切除术与开腹手术对患者术后恢复疗效。方法将56例肝血管瘤患者随机分为腹腔镜组和开腹组,每组28例。比较两组患者术中资料和术后恢复情况。应用SPSS 20.0软件包进行数据处理,手术时间、术中出血量、术中输血量、切口长度、ALT水平、AST水平、术后输血量、术后引流量及住院天数等计量资料以(x珋±s)表示,采用t检验;并发症发生率等计数资料采用χ2检验或Fisher检验。P0.05为差异具有统计学意义。结果腹腔镜组患者切口长度(6.4±0.6)cm、术中流血量(132.3±25.8)ml和术中输血量(104.3±15.6)ml与开腹组[分别为(24.5±4.7)cm、(245.6±36.2)ml、(211.5±22.8)ml]比较差异具有统计学意义(t=20.214,13.487,20.533,P0.01)。腹腔镜组患者术后输血量(402.5±45.3)ml、引流量(244.6±35.2)ml、住院天数(9.4±1.5)d和并发症发生率(14.3%)显著低于开腹组[(588.6±67.1)ml、(335.1±38.1)ml、(12.8±2.1)d、39.3%]差异具有统计学意义(t=12.163,t=9.232,t=6.971,P0.01)。腹腔镜组术后并发症4例(14.3%)明显低于开腹组11例(39.3%),差异具有统计学意义(χ2=4.462,P0.05)。结论腹腔镜肝血管瘤切除术治疗肝血管瘤术中损伤较小、患者术后肝功能和其他生理指标恢复更快具有临床应用价值。     

腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术对机体细胞免疫的影响

目的 探讨腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术及传统开放手术对机体免疫系统的影响.方法 肾肿瘤患者53例.年龄25～82岁,平均51岁.分别行腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术(A组,27例)或开放手术根治性肾切除术(B组,26例).采用流式细胞学技术检测手术前及术后1、3、5 d T淋巴细胞亚群(CD3、CD4、CD8、CD25、CD69、CD95、CD95L),采用重复测量方差分析对T淋巴细胞亚群改变程度进行比较.结果 2组手术均获成功.A组平均手术时间(67±10)min,B组为(69±11)min,2组比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.6922).术中失血量A组(72±10)ml,B组(154±20)ml(P=0.00).术后使用止痛剂A组2例次、B组20例次,2组比较差异有统计学意义(X2=21.4,P＜0.01).2组患者术前CD95L[(1.974±0.75)%、(1.74±0.80)%]均高于参考值(0.3%～0.8%)(P＜0.05),其余差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).B组术前及术后1、3、5 d CD25分别为(15.55±6.82)%、(15.99±10.78)%、(19.05±5.45)%、(15.09±7.93)%,术后3 d CD25升高(P＜0.05).A组CD25分别为(11.81±6.21)%、(15.26±9.39)%、(26.04±15.88)%、(14.80±7.78)%,术后3 d CD25升高(P＜0.05).2组术后3 d CD25比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).B组CD3分别为(68.80±11.73)%、(62.63±11.62)%、(64.10±13.38)%、(68.92±10.28)%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);CD4分别为(42.15±7.81)%、(36.39±7.97)%、(38.10±7.58)%、(42.61±8.81)%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.0061).B组术后1、5 d CD8[(24.80±10.97)%、(23.54±9.86)%]高于A组[(23.01±6.73)%、(21.42±5.92)%],B组术后3 d CD69(5.96±2.65)%明显高于A组(3.53±1.61)%,B组术后5 d CD95(23.15±5.90)%明显高于A组,(19.20±4.47)%,B组术后1、5 d CD95 L[(2.25±1.13)%、(1.91±0.99)%]明显高于A组[(1.75±0.80)%、(1.33±0.43)%],差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 与开放手术相比,腹腔镜下根治性肾切除术能更好地保存机体细胞免疫功能.     

Increased tumor establishment and growth after open vs laparoscopic bowel resection in mice

Background: Surgery can suppress immune function and facilitate tumor growth. Several studies have demonstrated better preservation of immune function following laparoscopic procedures. Our laboratory has also shown that tumors are more easily established and grow larger after sham laparotomy than after pneumoperitoneum in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine if the previously reported differences in tumor establishment and growth would persist in the setting of an intraabdominal manipulation. Methods: Syngeneic mice received intradermal injections of tumor cells and underwent either an open or laparoscopic cecal resection. In study 1, the incidence of tumor development was observed after a low dose inoculum; whereas in study 2, tumor mass was compared on postoperative day 12 after a high-dose inoculum. Results: In study 1, tumors were established in 5% of control mice, 30% of laparoscopy mice, and 83% of open surgery mice (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). In study 2, open surgery group tumors were 1.5 times as large as laparoscopy group tumors (p < 0.01), which were 1.5 times as large as control group tumors (p < 0.02). Conclusion: We conclude that tumors are more easily established and grow larger after open laparoscopic bowel resection in mice. Received: 27 October 1997/Accepted: 19 January 1998     

Delayed-type hypersensitivity response is better preserved in mice following insufflation than after laparotomy

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory has previously used pig and rat models to demonstrate that delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to an antigen challenge is suppressed following laparotomy compared to insufflation. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical and reliable mouse DTH model that could be used in future studies to test immunomodulating drugs and therapies. METHODS: Female C3H/HeN mice (n = 100) were given three serial DTH challenges of 25 microl of 4 mg/ml phytohemagglutinin (PHA) 12 days before the test procedure, immediately following the test procedure, and on the 2nd postoperative day. All challenges were administered via subcutaneous injection in alternating footpads. The thickness of the footpad was determined with electronic calipers immediately prior to injection and 24 h following injection in a blinded fashion. The difference in thickness represents the response. On the day of the procedure, mice were randomized into the following three groups: (a) control (AC), (b) insufflation (INS), and (c) open (OPEN). AC mice underwent no procedure. INS mice underwent CO(2) insufflation at 2-4 mmHg for 20 min. OPEN mice underwent a midline incision from xiphoid to pubis that was closed after 20 min. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: Preoperatively, there were no significant differences among the three groups. On POD1, the OPEN group had significantly less response than both the AC and INS groups. On POD3, there were significant differences between the OPEN group and both the INS and AC groups. There was no significant difference between the AC and INS group at any time. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a DTH mouse model has been established that allows serial assessment of cell-mediated immune function. This model can be used to study immune function after open and minimal access procedures in a simple and cost-effective manner.     

Incisional hernias after laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy

Background: The aim of this study was retrospectively to compare the incidence of incisional hernia formation at trocar sites in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with that after conventional open cholecystectomy. Methods: In all, 271 patients with cholelithiasis underwent either laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC group, n= 142) or open cholecystectomy (OC group, n= 129). In the OC group, the surgical approach was to use a right subcostal incision in 20.2%, right transrectal laparotomy in 73.6%, and midlaparotomy in 6.2%. Laparotomy closure was performed by continuous absorbable suture for the peritoneum and discontinuous absorbable stitches for muscle and fascia. Laparoscopic access was achieved by use of four trocars (two 10 mm and two 5 mm). Umbilical port closure was performed by suture of fascia using discontinuous stitches. Closure of the remaining ports was performed by suture of the skin. Results: Both patient groups were statistically similar with respect to general risk factors. Follow-up was performed in 84 (65.1%) OC and 123 (86.6%) LC patients and ranged from 2 to 10 years (mean, 8 years) and 1 to 5 years (mean, 3 years) respectively. Five (5.9%) OC and two (1.6%) LC patients developed incisional hernias, although the difference between groups was not significant. All hernias in OC patients appeared after transrectal laparotomy. The LC hernias appeared at the umbilical port, and one of the patients developed an additional xiphoides port-associated hernia. Conclusions: The laparoscopic technique showed a lower (although not significantly) incidence of incisional hernias than the open procedure. Received: 16 July 1998/Accepted: 27 November 1998     

Changes in T cell subsets, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein after laparoscopic and open colorectal resection for malignancy

Background: Attenuation of the immune response to surgery, as demonstrated with the laparoscopic approach to cholecystectomy, has potential benefits in patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic resection for malignancy. We aimed to study the perioperative immune response in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted and open surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods: This study involved 23 patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted (n = 13) and open surgery (n = 10). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) C-reactive protein (CRP), the total lymphocyte count, and the CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD19 lymphocyte subpopulations were assayed preoperatively and at 4, 8, 10, 24, 48, and 168 h postoperatively. Results: Significant rises in IL-6 and CRP were demonstrated within 4 and 24 h, respectively (p < 0.001) in both groups. However, no significant difference between the groups was seen. Significant decreases in total lymphocyte count and all T cell subsets were demonstrated in both groups, beginning at 4 h (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference between the groups was seen. All parameters, excluding CRP, had returned to baseline by 7 days postoperatively in both groups. Conclusions: Patients with malignancy exhibit significant perioperative immune disturbance with laparoscopically assisted and open surgery. The current data do not provide justification for the laparoscopically assisted approach on grounds of immune preservation.     

Postoperative pulmonary function after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

In this prospective, randomized study, we compared 42 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 40 undergoing open cholecystectomy to determine if laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in less respiratory impairment and fewer respiratory complications. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood-gas analysis and chest radiographs were obtained in both groups before operation and on the second day after operation. Postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements were also recorded. After operation, a significant reduction in total lung capacity, functional residual capacity (FRC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) occurred after both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. The reductions in FRC, FEV1, FVC and FEF25-75% were smaller after laparoscopic (7%, 22%, 19% and 23%, respectively) than after open (21%, 38%, 32% and 34%, respectively) cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was also associated with a significantly lower incidence (28.6% vs 62.5%) and less severe atelectasis, better oxygenation and reduced postoperative pain and analgesia use compared with open cholecystectomy. We conclude that postoperative pulmonary function was impaired less after laparoscopic than after open cholecystectomy.      

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) are widely accepted as safe and effective procedures for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the hands of experienced surgeons. The efficacy and extent of benefits of pure as well as hand-assisted laparoscopic and laparoscopy-assisted liver resection over open liver resection (OLR) have been investigated by numerous studies during the last 10 years. The aim of our meta-analysis is to investigate the effect of LLR in short- and long-term outcomes compared to OLR in patients operated for HCC. A total of 5203 patients from forty-four studies were included in our meta-analysis reporting for short- and long-term results for both LLR and OLR for HCC. Among them, 1830 underwent pure laparoscopic hepatectomy, 282 underwent pure laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted hepatectomy, and 3091 were operated through open approach. LLRs were found to be significantly associated with lower blood loss, need for blood transfusion, successful achievement of R0 resection as well as wider resection margin, shorter hospital stay, lower morbidity and 30-day mortality rates. Operative time, tumor recurrence, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival as well as 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival were not found different between the groups. This meta-analysis clearly demonstrates the superiority of laparoscopic resection over the open approach for patients with small HCC.     

腹腔镜与开腹结直肠癌根治术后并发症的分析

结直肠癌是消化道常见恶性肿瘤.手术是其主要的治疗方式,开腹手术和腹腔镜手术是两种主要的术式.术后吻合口瘘、吻合口出血、肠梗阻、排尿功能与性功能障碍是其常见并发症,乳糜漏、切口感染、肺部感染、切口肿瘤种植等也时有发生.两种手术方式比较,腹腔镜手术并不增加术后并发症发生率,某些并发症甚至低于开腹手术.腹腔镜能安全应用于结直肠癌根治术中.     

Inflammatory response in children after laparoscopic vs open Nissen fundoplication: randomized controlled trial

We performed a randomized controlled trial to compare the inflammatory and immune responses to Nissen fundoplication in infants and children undergoing either open or laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Forty children undergoing Nissen fundoplication were randomized to laparoscopy or open surgery using minimization with respect to age, neurologic status, and operating surgeon. Intraoperative and postoperative analgesias were standardized. Inflammatory markers (plasma malondialdehyde, nitrate plus nitrite level, and cytokines) and monocyte class II major histocompatibility complex expression were measured preoperatively, at end of surgery, 4, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Postoperative changes were compared between open and laparoscopic groups.

Results

There were no significant changes in circulating malondialdehyde, nitrates plus/ nitrite, interleukin-10, or tumor necrosis factor α in the postoperative period in either group. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1rA) and IL-6 were significantly increased in both groups, with a tendency for greater elevation of IL-1rA in the open group. Monocyte major histocompatibility complex expression fell significantly in both groups; however, this fall appeared to be slightly more marked in the open group.

Conclusions

The postoperative cytokine response is similar in children undergoing open and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. This trial indicates that laparoscopy may partly reduce postoperative immune suppression.