Uneventful splenectomy and cholecystectomy in a patient treated with anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates various aspects of the immune responses, acute phase reactions, and hematopoiesis. In rodent models, IL-6 has been suggested to be one of the essential mediators for optimal acute phase responses to infection and tissue damage. However, in humans, the roles of IL-6 in acute phase responses after surgery remain poorly understood. CASE REPORT: We present the first case report of successful splenectomy and cholecystectomy in a severe autoimmune-associated hemolytic anemia patient during treatment with a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody. DISCUSSION: This unique case suggests that IL-6 is not an essential cytokine to safely perform surgical intervention and to prevent postoperative complications and that surgical intervention may not be contraindicated but can be selected as a therapeutic modality in patients treated with anti-IL-6 receptor antibody therapy.