C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT

Abstract

For the purpose of obtaining an information as to the value and limitations of C-reactive protein as an index for the evaluation of postoperative condition of a patient, serum levels of this protein were examined in parallel with other indices of inflammation in about 80 patients who mainly underwent abdominal surgery. In a group of gastrectomized patients, which was classified as standard case, a postoperative pattern of CRP response was illustrated and a comparison was· made with other indices from the point of postoperative evaluation of the patient. Influence of many factors such as age, sex, body weight, and so on upon the postoperative CRP response was discussed using the standard cases. The significance of CRP levels on each postoperative day was discussed in relation to postoperative complications both in gastrectomy and cholecystectomy. Discussion was also made concerning the origin of this protein.