Our results are consistent with previous studies that showed that CRP concentrations are more useful than WBC counts for predicting postoperative complications.8,22,29 Other promising markers such as procalcitonin and interleukin-6 have recently been reported as predictors of infection after major abdominal surgery.30 However, use of these markers is controversial and more expensive than measurement of CRP concentrations.31,32 We did not measure procalcitonin and interleukin-6 concentrations because they are not well-established indicators and would have added to patient's medical costs. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and infection.