['To examine the effects of perioperative rhG-CSF administration on immune function in patients subjected to major surgery.', 'Severe trauma, such as major surgery, initiates acute immunodysfunction which predisposes the patient towards infectious complications.', 'Sixty patients undergoing elective surgery received either recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor/rh G-CSF (Filgrastim) or a placebo perioperatively. At several time points before and after the surgical intervention immunofunctional parameters were assessed. RESULTS Leukocyte counts and serum levels of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-1ra and TNF-R) were increased in Filgrastim-treated patients, while the post-operative acute phase response was attenuated. Monocyte deactivation (reduced TNF-alpha release and HLA-DR expression) and lymphocyte anergy (impaired mitogenic proliferation and reduced TH1 lymphokine release) were blunted and the incidence and severity of infectious complications were reduced.'] Does perioperative recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ( Filgrastim ) treatment prevent immunoinflammatory dysfunction associated with major surgery?