Effect of epidural blockade on immune parameters in the perioperative period: randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: The potential benefits of anaesthesia techniques in the parameters cellular immunity and prevention metastasis various types cancer are attracting increasing attention.
 OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate influence epidural blockade as a component anesthesia support on indexes patients operated for gastric cancer.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: 89 cancer, divided into two groups were investigated: 1st group (n=27) there general (GA) combination with extended blockade; 2nd (n=24) GA postoperative intravenous administration analgesics. T-cell counts (CD3+, CD4+ CD8+, CD4+/CD8+) cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, INF-y TNF-a) determined.
 RESULTS: CD3+ levels both significantly (р 0.05) reduced immediately after surgery. On 3rd day decrease T-cells more pronounced compared group. content decreased by period 0,05) but then gradually increased, level higher than changes CD8+ between studied not statistically significant. immunoregulatory index by1st 0.05). 9th returned basic values, while it remained lower. day, IL-4 IL-6 indices their initial values. IL-10 had similar pattern, rate At all stages investigation, IFN- group, TNF- 0.05).
 CONCLUSION: use analgesia during resection malignant neoplasm is associated less suppressive effect subpopulations T-lymphocytes comparison analgesics may contribute activation antitumor immune response. Prospective long-term studies needed evaluate physician oncological outcomes surgery cancer.