Effects of Intravenous Anesthetic Drugs on Leukocytes for Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Diagnostic Clinical study

Background: General anesthesia and intravenous anesthetic drugs influence the leukocytes. The study designed to assess the effects of intravenous anesthetics and anesthesia technique on leukocytes which are the important human immune cells. Methods The prospective study was performed on 100 patients undergoing surgery in Sulaimani Teaching and Shar Teaching Hospitals from November 2021 to March 2022. First blood sample were collected from the patients before induction and second sample were collected 6 hours after operation. Complete blood counts were done for all samples to find out the rates of leukocytes pre- and post-operative. Results In general, the mean of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils counts were decreased after operation, but the mean of neutrophils counts were increased. General anesthesia was more effective to leukocytes than other types. All hypnotic anesthetic drugs were affecting the level of leukocytes except Pentothal. Patients who given analgesics had obvious effect on leukocytes than other who were not received analgesics. Also, leukocytes changes were shown for muscle relaxant, they decrease the level of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils count, but increase the level of neutrophils. According to the leukocytes count, significant changes were found for most of the intravenous anesthetics (p < 0.05). Conclusion All hypnotic, analgesic, and muscle relaxant except Pentothal can decrease leukocytes especially, Lymphocytes. While, by using all the intravenous anesthetic drugs neutrophil counts elevation may occurs.