[Immune response induced by surgical trauma]

The non-specific immune response induced by surgical trauma is getting much attention with the concept of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS is recognized as the host response to an inflammatory process independent of its cause, and is characterized by generalized activation of the vascular endothelium and polymorphonuclear leukocyte. It is induced by cytokine production, in which tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) play a major role. Most of SIRS patients recover from surgical trauma without developing organ dysfunction. However, a new subsequent insult (second attack), such as infection, during SIRS state would lead to amplified tissue response. SIRS should be managed as a warning sign of tissue injury.