Laparotomy and laparoscopy differentially accelerate experimental flank tumour growth

Background Surgery depresses host tumoricidal activity and may increase tumour growth. This study compared the effects of laparoscopy with laparotomy on extraperitoneal tumour growth and immune function in a murine model. Methods C57BL/6 female mice aged 8–10 weeks had tumours induced in the right flank (n = 45) and were randomized to undergo halothane anaesthesia only, laparoscopy or laparotomy. Flank tumour volume was assessed over 10 days. A...