The endocrine response to surgery
The stress response to surgery is characterized by increased secretion of pituitary hormones and activation of the sympathetic nervous system.The changes in pituitary secretion have secondary effects on hormone secretion from target organs .For example, release of corticotrophin from the pituitary stimulates cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex. Arginine vasopressin is secreted from the posterior pituitary and has effects on the kidney. In the pancreas, glucagon is released and insulin secretion may be diminished. The overall metabolic effect of the hormonal changes is increased catabolism which mobilizes substrates to provide energy sources, and a mechanism to retain salt and water and maintain fluid volume and cardiovascular homeostasis.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathoadrenal response results from an increased secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla. Circulating norepi-nephrine and epinephrine result in tachycardia and hypertension, and directly modify the function of numerous organs, including the liver, pancreas, and kidney. Gluconeogenesis is increased, glucagon production is stimulated, and water is retained to maintain fluid volume and cardiovascular homeostasis.
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