enzymes (surgery)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Surgery has a similar effect to acute myocardial infarction on plasma enzymes: CK and AST are raised in proportion to the extent of trauma. However, only myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery will increase the enzyme CK-MB to any significant degree.

Blood transfusion may result in breakdown of erythrocytes, increasing plasma LDH levels.

Total parenteral nutrition can result in increases in the enzymes ALP, GGT and transaminases. These changes are reversible.

Diagnostically, amylase is the enzyme most requested in a surgical setting as a means of determining the cause of acute abdominal pain.