Oxidative stress in surgery in an ageing population: Pathophysiology and therapy

► Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in normal cellular function. ► Excess ROS cause detrimental oxidative stress. ► Oxidative stress can have a negative impact in surgery especially in an ageing population. ► Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity can be measured and can guide remedial therapy. ► Various therapies to reduce oxidative stress in surgery have produced clinical benefits.