Immunomodulatory Effects of Epidural Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery. (PubMed, Ann Afr Med)
IL-1 was significantly reduced, and IFNα was significantly increased during breast cancer procedures conducted under thoracic epidural anesthesia. TNF, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were comparable. A considerable increase in neutrophil counts was linked to a significant decrease in lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts, but the overall leukocyte count remained comparable. The possible interaction between anesthesia, the technique of surgery, leukocytes, and cytokine production may have substantial implications during breast cancer surgeries, which needs further evaluation.