Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic response in the early postoperative period after radical resection of stage I and II oesophageal cancer applying a minimally invasive procedure and an open procedure involving classical laparotomy and thoracotomy.

Material and methods

Serum concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-), and total serum protein (TP) and leukocyte count (WBC) in blood collected on the day of surgery prior to the procedure (day 0) and on days 1, 2 and 7 after the surgery were measured in two groups of patients undergoing oesophageal resection due to cancer: applying a minimally invasive procedure involving laparoscopy and videothoracoscopy (group A) and applying a classical procedure involving full opening of the chest and abdominal cavity (group B). The study involved a total of 24 patients divided into two groups of 12 patients each.

Results

Tumour necrosis factor- concentration was lower in group A compared to group B on day 0, PCT concentration was lower in group A compared to group B on day 2 after surgery, and on the remaining days TNF- and PCT concentrations were not statistically different between groups.

Conclusions

Lower concentration of PCT on post-surgery day 2 in the group of patients undergoing minimally invasive oesophageal resection seems to be associated with a smaller perioperative injury. Lower TNF- concentration in serum collected on day 0 in the group of patients undergoing minimally invasive resection is associated with a lower stage of oesophageal cancer in this group.