the acute stress reaction to major thoracic surgery

The aim of this revue is to examine the current literature on the physio-pathological mechanism liable for the inflammatory reaction after major surgical injury and the nature and development of the related morbidity. We describe the endocrine and metabolicchanges that occur as consequences of major thoracic surgery and the clinical implications of these reactions. The understanding of the stress response mechanism and the early detection of it’s clinical manifestations will aid in recognizing and probably help in correcting deviations from the norm.