Selenium in Surgery

Selenium, a micronutrient essential for many enzymatic functions, is crucial for maintaining human health. Its presence in the human diet is of paramount importance for metabolism and support of the immune system. Many diseases of surgical importance are related to the level of selenoproteins and their influence on different organs. The aim of this concise narrative review is to highlight the role of selenium as a trace element in various surgical morbidities, a concept that is often neglected or not well perceived by most surgeons.