The Journal of surgical research
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Pro-inflammatory cytokines in elective flap surgery.
Surgical trauma releases inflammatory mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this prospective, controlled, randomized trial we investigated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and monocyte/macrophage activation in patients scheduled for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Patients were allocated to one of three surgical procedures, differing in complexity and in the need for implants used for reconstruction. ⋯ Flap procedures for breast reconstruction stimulate the pro-inflammatory response. IL-6 levels were highest in patients with TRAM operations, being the most extensive procedure studied, whereas the highest IL-8 levels were seen in women with a saline filled silicone implant suggesting immunomodulation by foreign material. Although all three investigated procedures are major operations in the field of plastic surgery, according to the inflammatory response to trauma they should be regarded as minor procedures.