CRP levels as a measure of surgical trauma: a comparison of different general surgical procedures.

Acute phase proteins are released into the circulation as part of the metabolic response to trauma. C reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to be the most specific and sensitive indicator of trauma. We measured pre- and postoperative CRP levels in patients undergoing varicose vein surgery, inguinal herniorrhaphy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy. A significant difference is shown between the levels found in those undergoing varicose vein, hernia surgery or open cholecystectomy; however, there is no significant difference in the CRP levels between open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.