Based on our previous research, this study aims to determine reliable surgical stress response markers in patients undergoing radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Every surgical intervention represents a stress for patient's organism. During the operation, numerous changes in the patient's metabolism take place, that are termed surgical stress response. Leading cause of surgical stress response is tissue destruction that always accompanies operations. Surgical stress response is effected through activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and through sympathetic activation.

The consequences of surgical stress response are numerous. Surgical stress response is essential to uneventful postoperative recovery. On the other hand, excessive surgical stress response may lead to serious postoperative complications, such as heart and kidney failure, venous thrombosis, disruption of operative wound and wound infection.

In prior studies the investigators have shown the kinetics of postoperative serum interleukin changes after radical resection of gastric cancer.

This study aims at determining reliable markers of surgical stress response severity in patients undergoing radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pathohistologically verified colorectal cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Distant metastases noticed before or during surgery
• History of autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiencies
• Use of immunomodulatory drugs within 1 year prior to surgery

Patients with colorectal cancer treated in the University Hospital Dubrava