[Metabolic regulation in surgical patients].

The concentration of circulating hormones and substrates was determined in 7 patients before, during and after major elective surgery. On the basis of these and other of our studies, as well as data in the literature, a tentative scheme of postoperative and post-traumatic metabolism has been drawn up. It is based on the classical division into a "shock phase", a catabolic healing phase and an anabolic healing phase. The adjustment of intravenous feeding to these metabolic phases is discussed.